Published on: 07 May 2021
Last Updated on: 02 January 2025
Bridging loans have become popular among borrowers for all the right reasons. With everyone talking about bridging loans, including the mainstream media, the chances are that you have already heard of these loans before.
Taking a bridging loan could be the best thing to do if you have found a dream house you want to acquire before someone else buys it, and you are yet to find a buyer for your existing home, which still has a mortgage.
A bridging loan will give you the funds you need to buy the second house as you wait to sell the current one. Even so, there is so much more to bridging loans than you might imagine.
In this guide, we will discuss everything about bridging loans from the basics, pros, and cons. keep reading to discover everything you need to know about bridging loans.
So what exactly is a Bridging Loan?
Simply put, a bridging loan is a short-term loan taken on top of the current home loan. As the name suggests, a bridging loan is usually taken when you need to buy a new house immediately before selling your existing home. When you take this loan, you will be paying interest on two loans.
To put things into perspective, bridging loans are a form of interest-only loans.
The value of your existing property will determine the value of the loan. It is also vital to note that these loans have limited terms and contain special concerns. Depending on the lender, the amount and terms of the loan will vary. You can view this bridging loan calculator first before you apply for the loan to get a glimpse of your financial responsibilities.
The structure of bridging loans differs from one private money lender to another. Some private lending providers will require you to continue serving your loan until you settle in your new property. The private finance providers will the interest of your two loans together during the loan duration.
Once you find a buyer for your second property, the mortgage will be discharged. You will then start paying the principal and interest of your current loan. On the other hand, other private lending providers will ask you to service both loans after taking a new one.
After the sale of your home, the initial mortgage will be discharged, while the bridging loan might be converted into the home of your choice for your new property.
When taking a bridging loan, it would help to think about compounding interest because you will be charged for both loans. Always keep in mind that you will end up paying more than you should if you fail to find a buyer for your house quickly. Bridging loan interests are calculated daily and charged monthly.
Another key element you should have in mind is the duration of the bridging loan. These loans usually last around six months to 12 months, depending on the private finance providers and your preferences. Your loan length will be six months if you buy an existing home and 12 months for a new one.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Bridging Loan?
Now that you are aware of what a bridging loan is and how it functions, it is time to look at the pros and cons. Understanding the benefits of these loans and the challenges you are likely to encounter when you take a bridge loan will help you make the right decisions. Here are the pros and cons of a bridging loan:
The Benefits of a Bridging Loan:
Bridging loans have so much to offer. It is crucial to understand what you should expect with this type of loan to get the best options. Here are the pros of bridging loans:
More Convenience:
Do you want to buy your dream home quickly? A bridging loan will allow you to do just that even if you have not sold your existing house just yet.
Flexible Repayments:
Depending on your bridging loan structure, you will only have to service your existing home loan finance when you take a bridging loan.
Avoid Further Expenses:
You will not have to rent when you take a bridging loan. It will allow you to move even if you do not have a buyer for your house.
Considerations of a Bridging Loan:
Like is the case with any other type of loan, bridging loans also have their fair share of cons. For instance, you will be forced to pay more if you fail to sell your house as soon as possible.
Choosing the Best Bridging Loans for Your Needs:
Bridging loans are categorized as open bridging loans and closed bridging loans. Closed bridging loans have a pre-determined settlement date while open bridging loans do not have an agreed settlement date.
When looking for a bridging loan, it will help to consider the duration, interest rates, and loan structure. It would also help to compare alternative loans before making the final decision.
Above all, it is essential to find the right private lending company. Fortunately, you can use an easy-to-use online platform such as ADS.finance to find the best private finance option near you.
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Are you considering investing in the real estate industry but aren’t sure where to start? Vacant land is one of the most underrated real estate investments today. Most people overlook it because they assume it can’t produce income, and so it’s pointless.
But the truth is that raw land can give you serious financial benefits, of course, with the right strategy. And, not to forget, there is far less competition in the raw land market as compared to property investing. So, it is easier to squeeze a good deal.
That said, it does matter where you buy your land. So, is buying land in Austin, Texas, a sound investment idea? A few years ago, Austin was ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as the #1 place to live in the country.
But if that is not enough to convince you, here are more reasons to invest in land for sale in Austin, TX:
You Can Enjoy Tax Benefits
No one really enjoys paying taxes but you can’t avoid it. So, any opportunity not to pay some of these taxes without breaking the law is a great relief. Well, buying land in Austin, Texas, can qualify you for an agricultural, wildlife, or timber tax exemption. Provided you use the land for farming, grazing, timber, or wildlife preservation. These exemptions can actually save you huge bucks in property taxes annually.
Greater Freedom To Develop Your Land
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of buying raw land in Austin is just how much freedom you get when it comes to using it. You see, with real estate in metropolitan areas, development is usually controlled, and you have to stick to a lot of regulations and guidelines. These controls can really frustrate you.
However, with raw land in Austin, you only need authorization from your local authorities. You can do anything you like with your land, whether that is constructing your home or business.
You Can Start A Business On It & Start Earning Revenue
Talking of development, you can actually turn your raw land into a money-making investment too. Austin is growing pretty quickly, which means that starting a business here is actually a great idea.
And even with rural land, opportunities to make money off your land are still plenty. For instance, you can open a bed & breakfast, camping ground, hunting grounds, etc.
Affordable Rates With Great Financing Options
Another thing that makes buying land for sale in Austin, TX, an excellent investment opportunity is land affordability. In fact, land in Texas is significantly cheaper compared to other parts of the country. And the good news is that you can be sure of scoring some very great deals if you know where to look.
But it does not stop there; Texas is also known for its great land financing options that make it easier for you to acquire land at a price you can easily afford.
You Can Write Off Some Expenses
Planning to use your Texas land for farming? You can also file a Schedule F in your federal income taxes, thereby writing off expenses incurred due to farming. This could even include interest on the loan you took to buy that land. Besides, you can claim interest on your construction loan if you decide to build on your land.
You Get To Own Rights To Minerals On Your Land
Austin, Texas, is a good place to buy land because you own the rights to any minerals you might stumble upon on your land. This gives you the authority to extract and sell the minerals.
The Texas Seller’s Market Is Booming
With Texas’s economy doing better than ever, the demand for land and property is skyrocketing. As a land or property owner in Texas, you are literally sitting on ever-appreciating capital.
Buying Land For Sale In Austin, TX, Is One Of The Best Investments You Can Make Today
If you have been thinking of investing in Austin, Texas, buying land might be an excellent idea. Besides the tax advantages, development freedom, and access to great financing options, you get to own land that appreciates over time. For the best experience, research enough and only purchase land that checks all your needs.
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When it comes to estate planning, a variety of tools and strategies are available to help individuals manage their assets effectively. One such tool is the Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT), an advanced estate planning strategy that offers significant benefits. This article will delve into the intricacies of QPRTs, their advantages, and potential drawbacks.
What Is A Qualified Personal Residence Trust?
A Qualified Personal Residence Trust is a particular kind of irrevocable trust. It allows homeowners to remove the value of their primary or secondary residence from their taxable estate. This is achieved by transferring the ownership of the home into the trust for a specified term. The homeowner, or grantor, retains the right to live in the property during this term. At the end of the term, the property is transferred to the named beneficiaries.
How Does A QPRT Work?
The process of establishing a QPRT involves several steps. Initially, the homeowner transfers the ownership of the residence into the trust. The value of this gift is computed based on IRS applicable federal rates, which represent minimum market rates. This allows the property's gift value to be calculated at a lower rate than its fair market value, potentially reducing the gift tax liability.
During the term of the QPRT, the homeowner can continue to live on the property. If the homeowner survives the term of the trust, the property is transferred to the beneficiaries, and the value of the residence is effectively removed from the homeowner's estate. This can result in substantial estate tax savings.
Advantages Of A Qualified Personal Residence Trust
There are several benefits associated with a QPRT:
Estate Tax Reduction: By removing the value of the residence from the estate, a QPRT can significantly reduce estate taxes.
Gift Tax Savings: The transfer of the residence to the trust is considered a gift. However, the value of this gift is calculated at a lower rate than the fair market value, potentially reducing the gift tax liability.
Continued Use of Property: The homeowner can continue to live in the property during the term of the trust, without any change in lifestyle.
Asset Protection: As an irrevocable trust, a QPRT can offer some level of protection against creditors.
Potential Drawbacks Of A QPRT
While a QPRT offers many advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks:
Irrevocable: Once established, a QPRT is irrevocable. This means that it cannot be easily undone or changed.
Mortality Risk: If the homeowner does not survive the term of the trust, the value of the residence may be included in the estate for tax purposes.
Limited Flexibility: Once the residence is transferred to the trust, the homeowner may have limited options for selling or refinancing the property
Is A QPRT Right For You?
Determining whether a QPRT is the right strategy for you depends on your individual financial situation, your estate planning goals, and your life expectancy. It's crucial to seek professional advice to understand the complexities involved and ensure the trust aligns with your goals and circumstances.
In Conclusion: The Power Of Planning
A Qualified Personal Residence Trust can be a powerful tool in estate planning, offering potential tax savings and asset protection. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's essential to consult with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney to determine if a QPRT is the right fit for your estate planning needs.
For more information or to discuss your estate planning needs, contact Citadel Law at (800) 662-0882. Our experienced attorneys can provide personalized assistance and guide you through the complexities of estate planning, ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed in accordance with your wishes.
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“Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?” The answer to this question is absolute ‘Yes.’ This business is already attracting lots of beginner investors into the market because it offers a high return on investment.
REITs are actually companies that own income-producing real estate across various sectors, and investors get huge benefits from this. However, there are a number of requirements to qualify as real estate investment trusts (REITs).
The main purpose of this company is to help communities grow, revitalize, and thrive. This real estate investment trust is located in every state and is considered a crucial part of the United States economy. Now, discuss this in detail.
Now, what do you think? Is real estate investment trusts a good career path? Let’s Find out!
What Is A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)?
As already discussed above, a real estate investment trust or REIT is an investment property that funds income-generating real estate assets.
This fund is managed by a firm of shareholders who invest funds in properties such as timberlands, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, warehouses, apartment buildings, etc.
A REIT is similar to an exchange-traded fund (ETF) or mutual fund. A mutual fund aggregates some securities or stocks into a single group.
Then, rather than purchasing individual fund shares, investors can purchase shares of a mutual fund.
In a similar way, investors can acquire shares or partial ownership in a real estate investment trust to reap the financial benefits of investing in multiple pieces of real estate or other securities simultaneously.
An advantage of real estate investment trusts is that they offer good investment returns to the investors. This factor is attracting many to invest in this asset.
How Does A Company Qualify As A REIT?
There are some requirements for a company to qualify for real estate investment trusts, and these requirements are listed below:
You need to have at least a hundred shareholders.
Fifty percent of the shares should not be held by five or fewer individuals.
The company should be managed by trustees or a board of directors.
Be an entity that is taxable as a corporation.
The company must pay at least ninety percent of its taxable income as shareholder profits each year.
Obtain a minimum of 75% of its gross income from rents, mortgages, or sales of real estate.
Lastly, invest at least 75% of its total assets in real estate.
How Can You Invest In Real Estate Investment Trusts? An investor or a company must buy stocks just like public stock.
The investors may buy shares in an exchange-traded fund or REIT mutual fund. On the other hand, there are many jobs available in real estate investmenttrusts, and these include asset management, property management, development, and much more.
How Do The REIT Companies Generate Revenue?
Now, you must understand how these companies generate their income.
Their primary income streams are leasing space. Additionally, they collect rents on the real estate under their control.
Dividends are distributed to shareholders by the authorities. Equity REITs focus on owning and managing properties.
In addition, they also generate income through rent and the appreciation of those properties.
On the other hand, Mortgage REITs specialize in financing real estate transactions, making money from the interest on their assets.
If you're considering investing or building a career in real estate, it’s essential to understand REITs.
They present a unique chance to get involved in the market. So, they offer both challenges and exciting opportunities for investors and professionals alike.
Is A Real Estate Investment Trust A Good Career Path: Analysing The Pros And Cons
Well, you must analyse well how the REITs are acting towards your advantage. Additionally, you must also keep a check on their cons.
1. Pros Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
There are some pros and cons of REITs that you need to consider before choosing a real estate investment as a career path.
Have a look at the following pros of real estate investment trusts:
i). Performance: This is proven to perform well due to the appreciation of commercial properties.
ii) Diversification: Investing in REIT is regarded as an investment portfolio where the securities and other stocks are down.
iii). Dividends: Provide a stable income stream for investors.
iv). Liquidity: You can easily buy and purchase shares in the market.
v). Transparency: This investment trust is traded on vital stock exchanges that operate under the same rules.
2. Cons Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Now, let’s know the major cons related to real estate investment trusts, and these are described below:
i) Minimal Control: If you are investing in this firm, then be prepared because you cannot control operational decisions, such as plans and strategies.
ii) Management Fees: You may be charged with high transactions and administrative fees.
iii) Investment Risk: There are some factors that can affect your investment, and these include tax laws, geography, debt, interest rates, and property valuation.
iv) High Tax Payment: The dividends can be taxed the same as normal income, and this is the drawback of REIT.
Here, you may have some clarity on your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?”
v) Slow Growth: More than 90% of profits are given back to investors, and only ten percent are reinvested.
What Are The Different Types Of REITs?
There are actually five types of real estate investment trusts, and these are described below:
1. Mortgage REITs
There are only ten percent of REIT investments in the mortgage sector, and this is regarded as being very low risk.
For diversifying your portfolio, you must consider this investment for your firm.
2. Office REITs
The name of this investment trust itself signifies that these are investments in office buildings.
Office real estate investment trusts get income from the rental income. However, there are some major factors, such as vacancy rates, employment rates, capital, etc., that you need to consider if you are interested in office rent.
3. Healthcare REITs
Healthcare REITs are an excellent choice, as in the US, healthcare costs are rising rapidly.
This type of trust includes nursing homes, retirement homes, medical centers, hospitals, etc. Hence, it is directly involved in the development of the healthcare system.
4. Residential REITs
Residential REITs include several kinds of rental properties like PGs, jobholders, etc.
However, before considering this, know the economic growth, vacancy rate, job opportunities, and the population.
5. Retail REITs
It is estimated that around twenty-four percent of the total REITs are owned by retail.
Therefore, investing in these real estate investment trusts can be the best decision that you can consider in 2024.
How Do The REIT Companies Work: A Detailed Operational Analysis
Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, are structured to manage properties and share earnings with investors.
To really understand how REITs function, it's helpful to look at their framework.
This covers everything from acquiring properties to distributing income.
1. Structure And Formation
First, let's talk about how a REIT is formed. A REIT comes into existence when a company collects funds from investors to buy and manage income-generating real estate.
They have to follow certain legal and tax regulations, one of which requires them to pay out at least ninety percent of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends.
Most REITs are publicly traded on stock exchanges, but there are also non-traded and private options available.
2. Capital Raising
Next, REITs raise capital by issuing shares to investors, similar to how companies offer stock.
This helps create a pool of funds that the REIT uses to invest in different properties.
3. Investments In Property
When it comes to property investment, the REIT uses the capital raised to buy various real estate assets like office buildings, retail centers, apartments, and hotels.
A smart strategy for REITs is to diversify their portfolio so they can spread risk across various types of properties and locations.
4. Property Management
Once properties are acquired, the REIT manages them. Also, they handle tasks like leasing and maintenance.
In addition, they are making improvements to maximize income.
Some REITs have in-house management teams, while others hire third-party companies to take care of these responsibilities.
5. Income Generation And Distribution
The main source of income for equity REITs is the rent. The authorities collect them from tenants living or working in their properties.
On the other hand, mortgage REITs earn income through the interest charged on loans they provide to property owners.
After covering operating expenses and taxes, any remaining income is distributed to shareholders as dividends.
6. Expansion And Growth
Even though they must pay out a significant portion of their income, REITs also reinvest some of their earnings.
This can be used to purchase additional properties or upgrade existing ones.
Successful REITs often look to expand their portfolios by entering new real estate markets, allowing them to diversify their investments even further.
7. Regulatory Compliance
Lastly, REITs have to stay compliant with various regulations. They must maintain a certain percentage of their assets in real estate and have a diverse shareholder base.
Being public entities means they must provide regular financial reports to both their shareholders and regulatory bodies.
What Are The Important Certifications For A Career In Real Estate?
When it comes to enhancing your real estate expertise, there are plenty of courses and certifications beyond formal degrees that can really make a difference.
These are particularly helpful if you want to train agents or strengthen your knowledge in the REIT sector.
1. Argus Enterprise.
One important certification to consider is Argus Enterprise. This software is widely recognized for its role in real estate financial analysis and valuation, and many REITs and investment firms highly value proficiency in it.
2. Chartered Financial Analyst program
The Chartered Financial Analyst program, while not specifically focused on real estate, is well-respected in the investment management world.
Earning this designation shows that you have a solid grasp of financial analysis and portfolio management.
3. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst
If you are interested in alternative investments, including real estate, the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation might be right for you. It prepares you for roles in portfolio management.
4. Financial Risk Manager
For those focusing on risk assessment and management within REITs, the Financial Risk Manager certification can be very useful.
5. Certified Commercial Investment Member
The Certified Commercial Investment Member designation is another option.
While it leans more towards commercial real estate brokerage and investment analysis, it provides a solid foundation in principles that are applicable to REITs.
6. National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts
The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or Nareit, offers a range of educational resources and programs.
Their courses, like the Introduction to Real Estate Investment Trusts and the Executive REIT Masterclass, dive deeply into the REIT industry.
7. University-Affiliated Courses
Additionally, many universities provide executive education, graduate certificates, or specialized courses related to real estate investment and finance.
For example, the Harvard Extension School has a Real Estate Investment Graduate Certificate that could be quite relevant.
What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trust?
Now that you know the answer to “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path,” it is time for you to know about something important!
Before you can figure out how many jobs are available in real estate investment trusts, you need to know which REIT jobs pay the best.
Our research indicates that sales representatives, leasing agents, broker positions, fund managers, and a variety of other positions in real estate investment trusts (REITs) are the ones with the highest pay.
The advantages will increase more when you own your own land ventures. Presently, we should talk about the top divisions that get the most significant pay in the land investment trusts.
1. Asset Manager
The Asset Management department of REITs is in charge of monitoring the portfolio’s financial and operational performance.
They manage client assets in accordance with investment preferences and goals. Additionally, these managers create, manage, and organize client portfolios.
It is quite possibly the most lucrative work, with compensation going from $70,000 to $1,000,000.
They must keep an eye on the business’s financial and operational success. They are also in charge of marketing, finding investors, and checking the returns.
Asset management can be a lucrative career choice, particularly for students of investment banking, finance, and economics with strong performance.
BlackRock was the largest asset management company in the world at the end of 2019, managing approximately 7043 trillion dollars in assets. Subsequently, this is actually a colossal sum!
2. Property Manager
You might be surprised to learn that there are currently approximately 15,000 property managers employed in the United States, and this number is increasing.
A property manager’s duties include communicating with customers and negotiating the best prices for the sale or rental of property.
They handle everything, from leasing to collections and property upkeep. The best part is that applicants need not meet any minimum requirements to apply for this position.
This job pays anywhere from $55,000 to $65,000 per year, and one of the best things about it is how quickly it can grow.
3. Acquisitions
Because they have to find and evaluate potential acquisition targets, working for this job profile requires a lot of analysis.
There are many job opportunities in this sector, and the good news is that it pays well—about $80,000 per year.
They must be adept at problem-solving and aware of new revenue-generating investment opportunities. This position is one of the best in the real estate investment trust industry.
Securing divisions gives paying positions in land speculation trusts. However, this is a real estate industry position with a lot of finance.
4. Investor Relations
This department of real estate investment management manages all communication with REIT shareholders who face the outside world.
A typical administration financial backer procures up to $150,000. This is huge. Additionally, the officials regard it as the REIT’s highest-paying job position.
This is your opportunity to work in the finance and accounting division. The best thing about it is that it pays well and has good potential for growth.
In addition, organizing and preparing for the annual meeting, which includes writing a proxy statement and an annual report for the business, is part of the job of investor relations.
Presently, to land this position, you will need a college degree with a foundation in accounting or bookkeeping.
5. Real Estate Investor
This is quite possibly the best work in the land venture trust industry in light of the fact that, notwithstanding the significant compensation, there are great possibilities of headway in this industry.
Their primary function is to help people become financially independent by investing in real estate.
Before investing and trading, this job requires extensive market research, which takes time.
It will be mentally and physically demanding. This is because your work will demand that you carry out a variety of tasks regarding the properties, such as:
Inspecting
Maintaining
Flipping
Purchasing
Restoring
They can increase the value of their investments as a result of all of this.
You really want a degree in bookkeeping, money, or business to turn into a genuine financial backer since you want to think of ways to improve ventures for you as well as your clients.
A land financial backer procures somewhere in the range of $15,000 to $15,000 each year.
Bottom Line: Real Estate Investment Trusts Is A Good Career Path
You might have got the answer to your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?”
Consider the pros, cons, and types of real estate investment trusts (REITs), and then you can decide whether it is good for your career path or not.
However, according to the experts, REITs are considered a good career path!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are The Real Estate Investment Trusts Worth The Risks? Yes! REITs are important when building a portfolio of stocks or bonds. They can help diversify your investments, provide higher returns, and lower risk.Their ability to pay dividends and appreciate makes them a great balance against stocks, bonds, and cash. 2. Which Career Option Is The Highest Paying In Real Estate? Real Estate Broker is definitely one of the high-paying jobs in real estate. 3. Is It A Good Career Option To Work In Real Estate? A career in real estate can be a good fit for people. You must have strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, you must be self-motivated and hard-working.However, it may not be a good choice for those who need a steady income. In fact, if you feel uncomfortable with rejection, it's best not to go. 4. Should I Invest In a Real Investment Trust In India? REITs in India can be a valuable addition to a diversified investment portfolio, particularly if you seek regular income and exposure to the commercial real estate market without the burdens of direct ownership 5. What Educational Background Do I Need To Make A Career In REITs? A career in REITs usually requires a bachelor's degree in finance, real estate, business, or economics.
Many entry-level jobs are available with these degrees. However, getting advanced degrees and professional certifications can help you move up in your career more quickly.
