Liquid vs. Illiquid Assets: Which is Better for Investors?

When it comes to investing, one important factor that must be considered is liquidity. Liquidity is the ease with which an asset can be converted to cash without affecting its market value. This means that the more liquid an asset is, the easier it is to sell it in the market without causing its price to drop significantly. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of liquid and illiquid investments and help you understand which one might be better for you.

Understanding Liquidity

Investments can be tangible or intangible assets. Tangible assets include real estate, art, and collectibles, while intangible assets include stocks, bonds, and other securities. Generally, tangible assets are considered to be illiquid because they can be harder to convert to cash. On the other hand, cash and cash equivalents are the most liquid assets because they can be easily converted to other assets.

In the case of debt securities, an investor could reference credit ratings issued by third parties to assess risk and liquidity. Bonds with lower credit ratings are generally considered riskier assets, and therefore the overall demand for these bonds is typically lower than those of higher credit quality assets. As a result, riskier bonds, also called junk bonds, will offer the lowest amount of liquidity but could offer the highest potential reward.

Illiquid Investments

Illiquid investments are those that cannot be traded or sold with ease without incurring a loss in value relative to their fair market value. Real estate, collectibles, and art are examples of illiquid assets.

These assets are considered to be illiquid because it is not easy to convert them to cash or another asset type. Therefore, investors will require compensation for the added risk of investing in illiquid assets. This added compensation is referred to as the liquidity premium.

When it comes to illiquid investments, it is important to note that degrees of liquidity will vary. For instance, some real estate is more desirable than others. Hedge funds and private market funds are other examples of illiquid investments. Liquidity terms amongst these funds will vary as well.

Liquid Investments

Cash and cash equivalents are the most liquid assets, followed by marketable securities like stocks and debt securities like bonds. Within these asset categories, nuances arise that offer varying degrees of liquidity.

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Liquid vs. Illiquid Assets: Which is Better for Investors?

The decision of whether to invest in liquid or illiquid assets depends on various factors, including an investor's sophistication level, risk appetite, and investment objectives. Liquid assets can be easily converted to other asset types, while illiquid assets require a longer time to convert to cash or another asset. In general, the more illiquid an investment is, the greater the risk and associated liquidity premium will be.

However, illiquid investments often offer higher potential returns than liquid investments, and they have the potential to be less volatile in the short-term. Moreover, illiquid investments are historically less affected by market fluctuations and can provide a hedge against inflation. On the other hand, liquid investments are more suitable for investors who prefer short-term investments and need easy access to cash.

Conclusion:

Liquidity is an important aspect of the financial market as it allows investors to buy or sell assets quickly and easily. This is particularly important for traders who are looking to make short-term gains, as they need to be able to move in and out of positions quickly. For example, stocks that are traded on major stock exchanges are typically considered liquid, as they can be bought or sold at any time during trading hours, and their prices are determined by supply and demand.

On the other hand, illiquid assets may not have an active market, making it difficult to buy or sell them quickly. This can result in the asset being priced lower than its fair market value, as there may be limited demand for the asset. Illiquid assets can include things like real estate, private equity, and certain types of bonds.

When investing in illiquid assets, investors need to be aware of the risks involved. In addition to the potential for a loss of value due to a lack of demand, illiquid investments may also be subject to a higher level of risk due to factors such as changing economic conditions, limited information about the asset, and the difficulty of finding a buyer if the investor needs to sell.

That being said, there are certain advantages to investing in illiquid assets. For example, they may offer higher potential returns than more liquid assets, as the added risk of holding the asset for a longer period may result in a higher payoff. Additionally, investing in illiquid assets can help diversify a portfolio, as they may not be as closely tied to the broader market as more liquid assets.

Overall, the decision to invest in liquid or illiquid assets depends on a number of factors, including the investor's financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Investors who are looking for short-term gains and need to be able to quickly move in and out of positions may prefer more liquid assets, while those with a longer-term investment horizon and a higher risk tolerance may be more comfortable investing in illiquid assets.

It is important for investors to carefully evaluate their options and understand the risks before making any investment decisions.

Can a Title Company Perform as a Qualified Intermediary?

A 1031 exchange can be a powerful addition to your investment strategy, with the potential to defer capital gains taxes. However, as with any powerful tool, investors must use it with care and precision. The IRS has strict guidelines for structuring a real estate transaction using a 1031 exchange, and taxpayers must adhere to these rules to avoid any issues. A Qualified Intermediary (QI), also known as an Exchange Accommodator, is a vital player in executing a successful 1031 exchange, which is required by the IRS.

The role of QI includes several important tasks, such as:

-Managing paperwork, including identifying potential replacement properties and recording the use of funds from the sale.

-Holding the sale proceeds in escrow, ensuring the taxpayer does not have access to these funds during the exchange process and facilitating the purchase of the replacement property using those funds.

It is important that the Qualified Intermediary is carefully chosen and the exchange follows all rules precisely to avoid issues with the IRS. The QI should be independent of the taxpayer, cannot be related to the taxpayer, and should have a good track record of successful exchanges.

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Qualified Intermediary Requirements:

The IRS has outlined the specific individuals or entities that cannot act as Qualified Intermediaries (QI) in a 1031 exchange, such as the taxpayer, any related parties, or an agent of the taxpayer. However, it does not have any requirements for the qualifications or characteristics a QI should have.

QIs are not regulated by the government but they may belong to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.

When looking for a QI, it is important to consider their experience in conducting 1031 exchanges, asking specific questions about their track record of successful exchanges, and inquiring about their internal controls and how they handle client funds.

It is also important to remember that certain companies like title companies may act as a QI, as long as they meet the IRS guideline and are not disqualified.

It is generally acceptable to use a title company as a Qualified Intermediary (QI) for a 1031 exchange. Title companies are typically experienced and knowledgeable in real estate transactions, and therefore well-equipped to complete the exchange process successfully.

One of the main reasons why title companies may be chosen as a QI is because they often hold purchase funds in escrow, which is also a necessary step for a 1031 exchange. This means that the title company would already have the necessary infrastructure in place to hold and manage the proceeds from the sale of the original property, and subsequently disburse those funds to purchase the replacement property.

Title companies also have knowledge in clearing access to the title and in completing the required forms for the IRS. They have experience in dealing with legal and regulatory requirements for property transactions and thus have the understanding of the rules and procedures required in a 1031 exchange.

It is important to remember that for a 1031 exchange to succeed, the QI must ensure that all the rules and regulations are met including the timelines, identification rules, and completion and transmission of necessary forms. It is also crucial that the title company is independent of the taxpayer, not related to the taxpayer and should have a good track record of successful exchanges. It is also recommendable to inquire about the QI's internal controls and how client funds are held and handled.

General Disclosure

Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. Information herein is provided for information purposes only and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision. All investing involves risk of loss of some, or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing.

Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication.

1031 Risk Disclosure:

The Growing Role of Alternative Investments

Why Investors Seeking Diversification Are Choosing Alternative Investments Increasingly

It is standard practice for people to open retirement accounts with their employers, then hand control of those accounts over to the plan's custodian, who will deploy the funds based on the participant's age, income, and retirement goals. Many consumers choose a hands-off strategy after the initial account setup and allow the custodian manage investments as they see fit.
The issue with this strategy is that the majority of custodians will opt to invest in conventional assets like equities, bonds, and mutual funds. Because of this, a person's portfolio is very vulnerable to the ups and downs of the stock market, and they are unable to invest in other places where they might receive superior returns.

This refers to alternative investments in this context. Alternative investments, traditionally seen as "too hazardous" for participation by private investors, are growing more popular. Individual investors are now imitating institutional and wealthy investors who have been making alternative investments for years. Alternative investments have the potential to offer individual investors a great deal of value, from diversification to increased stability, growth potential, and more.

Continue reading to find out more about investing in alternative assets, such as real estate, and how you can start doing so right away.

Alternative Investments: What Are They?


The majority of individuals are instructed to invest in a mix of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, whether for retirement or other purposes. These publicly traded shares are the most popular investment options and are regarded as "conventional" investments. When someone refers to "diversifying" their portfolio, they typically mean investing in a variety of these equities, from historically "safer" bonds or mutual funds to "riskier" stock options. As a means of further diversification, some investors may choose to invest in particular industries (such as technology or energy), while others may want to do so in emerging industries (such as a "sustainable leaders" fund).

Whatever the case, all of these conventional investments are fairly liquid and closely correlated with the overall stock market action. It follows that the value of conventional assets may fluctuate, occasionally substantially, even on a daily basis.

Alternative investments frequently differ significantly from conventional ones.

Diverse assets, such as precious metals, collectibles like artwork or antiques, crops, and other commodities, might be included in alternative investments. They could also be investments in financial assets like hedge funds, distressed securities, carbon credits, venture capital, private equity, and distressed securities. The most well-liked alternative investment nowadays is real estate, notably private equity real estate.

Important Characteristics of Alternative Investments


A few crucial characteristics serve to set apart alternative investments from standard ones. These qualities consist of:

Very little historical association with the stock market.

Alternative investments typically operate more independently from the overall stock market than do standard stocks, bonds, and securities. This partly results from alternative investments' lack of liquidity (more on this below). Simply said, unlike conventional publicly traded securities, the majority of alternative investments cannot be quickly bought or sold with the press of a mouse. As a result of the lengthier lead times involved in buying or selling alternative assets, which frequently include a thorough due diligence period, these investments have historically been less susceptible to market volatility.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, investors had first-hand experience with this. When the pandemic was at its worst, the Dow once dropped 10,000 points in a single day. It has subsequently recovered, but in the interim, a number of other assets, many of which were real estate investments, maintained their worth (with a few notable exceptions, like hospitality which took a hit due to widespread pandemic-related restrictions on travel).

Identifying the underlying value may be challenging.

The fact that it can be difficult to determine the underlying value of these assets is one of the difficulties involved with investing in alternative investments and one of the reasons why these investments have historically been limited to institutional and high-net-worth investors. Those interested in alternative investments will discover that they are operating in a world of incomplete knowledge and marketing information, in contrast to investing in stocks or bonds, where the majority of data is publicly available.

One might be prepared to pay more for a certain property, for instance, if they have a strong personal connection to that investment. This is just one example of how the value of some things can be wholly subjective. Properties in tourist markets are a fantastic example of this phenomenon: if someone's family has a long history of taking vacations in Cape Cod, they might be willing to spend twice what someone else is willing to pay for that home. In this instance, the investor's willingness to pay a certain value may not be logical. The value that the "market" assigns to an item may also be unduly influenced by other factors, such as a person's desire to borrow against a property (and under what conditions). The market value of an alternative asset is simply the price that someone, even just one person, is willing to pay for it.

Lower liquidity compared to conventional investing.

Alternative investments tend to be less liquid than traditional investments. The lack of organized markets and the relatively low demand for certain of these assets in comparison to traditional investments might be used to explain the illiquidity (e.g., fine art).

In many alternative investments, the investor must commit to the transaction for a set amount of time or risk incurring penalties for an early exit. One could, for instance, invest in a real estate fund with a five-year minimum hold. Investors in this fund might be able to withdraw their money early, but doing so might incur some sort of withdrawal fee.

Alternative investments typically require significant due diligence and/or processing time for a transaction to complete, even in a situation where someone is free to buy or sell at any time. For instance, if someone wants to sell an office building, they still need to find a buyer, engage with a broker, and go through at least 30 days' worth of paperwork, processing, financing, etc. before the sale can be closed. The illiquidity of alternative assets is a result of this.

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Historically prohibitive admission requirements.

The entry hurdles into alternative assets have always been very high. This is especially valid when it comes to expensive alternative assets, such "trophy" real estate. Only institutional investors and high-net-worth people had access to deals of this scale and value. The ability to conduct "general solicitation" made crowdfunding for alternative assets simpler after SEC regulations changed in 2014. This, in turn, has made it possible for people to invest in alternative assets in lower amounts for the first time.

What is the perception of these assets' "riskiness."

The idea that investing in these asset classes entails higher levels of risk than investing in more conventional asset classes like stocks or bonds is the original source of the term "alternative" investment. However, institutional investors have significantly expanded their allocation to alternative investments over the past 20 years as a result of technological advancements and better access to data regarding specific alternative investments. Institutional investors made an average of 5% in alternative investments in 2000; by 2020, that figure had risen to 30% or more. Alternative investments are becoming increasingly commonplace as a result of their historical and potential risk-adjusted total returns, net of expenses.

True diversification is provided by alternative investments.


Investors can truly diversify their investing portfolios by making alternative investments. Generally speaking, experts advise putting between 15 and 20 percent of your holdings into some sort of alternative asset. Institutional investors invest more than this amount; endowments and pension funds occasionally allocate more than 30% of their assets to alternative investments, respectively. Individual investors currently invest just an average of 5% in alternatives, a figure that most experts advise tripling or quadrupling.

Diversification has a number of advantages. One benefit of diversification is that it might potentially increase stability and shield a portfolio from market fluctuations. Two: People may be able to increase returns by investing in alternatives instead of low-yielding asset types like government bonds.

Compared to traditional investments, alternative investments frequently aim for higher returns.
Compared to typical investments, many alternative investments have the potential for better returns. When examining risk-adjusted returns over a decade or longer, this is especially true. For instance, over a 20-year span, farms, timberland, and real estate all beat the S&P 500. Sometimes even more astounding were the absolute returns. For instance, the average total return on farmland from 1992 to 2018 was 10%, combining income and price growth.

Historically, alternative investments have frequently performed admirably during times of market turbulence. An otherwise significant drop in stocks and bonds was avoided thanks to alternative investments' superior performance in the early days of the pandemic, according to an EY report released in November. Alternative investments and diversification in portfolios protected them from potentially devastating losses.

"During Covid-10, alternative managers exceeded performance expectations, particularly in private equity, when a 4:1 ratio of investors believed their managers exceeded expectations. Although hedge fund success varied by strategy, on the whole, nearly all of them greatly outperformed key benchmarks. Early in 2020, when major indices were down by 15-20%, several hedge funds were merely down by low single digits. Funds proved valuable by protecting cash during the recession and swooping in when appropriate to profit from market turbulence."

We are currently experiencing a period of historically low interest rates, which is one of the reasons alternative investments are doing so well. While inflation is closer to 2 percent, the rate on 10-Year U.S. Treasury bonds is less, hovering at 1.6 percent. Greater yield-seeking investors are forced to choose investments with higher levels of risk, which frequently directs them to alternative investments like real estate.

Investing in Alternative Assets: A Guide


The process of investing in alternative assets has historically been time-consuming, difficult, and expensive, leaving regular investors perplexed and unhappy. Investing in alternative assets is now simpler than ever thanks to improvements to SEC rules and regulations.

There are several ways to begin. One strategy would be to sell your stocks or bonds and/or put your funds straight into a different asset class. For instance, you may accomplish this by working directly with a fund manager that specializes in alternative assets or a real estate sponsor. Individuals can participate in fractional shares of private equity firms like Delaware statutory trusts (DSTs), which enable them to invest in alternative assets like real estate.

A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) with an alternate asset custodian is another choice for rolling over your standard or Roth IRA. You can then invest in alternative assets of any kind through the SDIRA, including but not limited to real estate, DSTs, or other investments. In order to hold title to the assets on your behalf, the SDIRA will first facilitate the transaction.

Conclusion


Previously regarded as being too hazardous for private investors to invest in, alternative assets are now more widely accepted. Real estate will undoubtedly be an alternative that investors wishing to diversify their portfolios should think about. If you want to try to reduce the risk normally connected with alternative investing, investing with a real estate sponsor or fund that has a long track record of performance is a wonderful way to do it.

Are you prepared to begin? Get in touch with us right now to find out how our DST and real estate investment platform may assist you in your efforts to put your money to work.

General Disclosure

Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. Information herein is provided for information purposes only, and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision. All investing involves risk of loss of some or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing.

Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication.

1031 Risk Disclosure:

Crowdfunding, TICs, DSTs & REITs - What's the Difference?

Some consumers are confused by the distinctions between the numerous possibilities available to them as real estate investing becomes more popular. Should they put their money into a Delaware Statutory Trust (DSTs), a real estate fund, a tenant-in-common (TIC), a real estate investment trust (REIT), or a real estate crowdfunding website like Fundrise? All provide co-investment options, but every one has unique characteristics that could affect the choice of each investor.

The contrasts between each of these passive real estate investment vehicles are examined in this article. The possible merits and drawbacks of each will be discussed, with a focus on some of the potential tax advantages that investors may or may not be able to take advantage of with each, including 1031 exchanges.

Trusts that invest in real estate (REITs)


A company known as a "REIT," which stands for "Real Estate Investment Trust," owns and/or manages commercial real estate that generates income. REITs come in a variety of forms. Others are more open-ended in terms of product type and instead concentrate on specific geographies. Some specialize in particular product kinds, such as multifamily, retail, hospitality, senior housing, self-storage, industrial, etc (e.g., commercial real estate in the Southeast or Midwest).

A person purchases a share in the business that owns and manages the real estate when they invest in a REIT. They are not investing in a real estate asset or a portion of a real estate asset. Comparable to purchasing shares of Apple, Philip Morris, or Berkshire Hathaway is purchasing a REIT. You invest in the firm, not its particular products, when you purchase these stocks. The same idea holds true for REITs.

For those with little investment capital, REITs are a popular alternative to invest in commercial real estate. REITs have a low entrance cost; an individual share costs less than $100. The advantage of investing in REITs is that their shares are typically very liquid; publicly traded REIT investments may frequently be bought and sold with the click of a button, just like other equities or bonds. Those who wish to diversify their portfolios by investing in commercial real estate but who cannot or do not want to have their capital tied up for extended periods of time find REITs, at least those that are publicly traded as opposed to private REITs, to be particularly alluring.

An organization must satisfy the following requirements in order to be considered a REIT:

At least 75% of the total assets of the corporation must be made up of real estate;
That rental portfolio, which may comprise both rents and the sale of property, must provide at least 75% of the company's total revenue;
At least 95% of gross revenue must come from passive sources;
At least 90% of the company's taxable profits must be distributed to shareholders as dividends on a regular basis;
After the first year of operation, the company must have at least 100 shareholders, with no more than 50% of the total shares being held by five or fewer investors. Additionally, the company must be organized as a taxable organization that is governed by a board of directors or trustees.
One of the major challenges businesses encounter when attempting to qualify as a REIT is the demand for at least 100 shareholders.

Many REITs are traded openly on the stock exchange, unlike traditional real estate. REITs that are traded publicly must register with the SEC. Others are privately traded, in which case they are exempt from SEC registration requirements. Typically, privately traded REITs are only available to accredited and institutional investors.

The ability to preserve liquidity is the main advantage of investing in a publicly traded REIT. Their REIT shares are just as simple to trade as other stocks, bonds, and equity securities. REIT shares, on the other hand, are more erratic as a result. They fluctuate in value with the market, with shares sometimes doing so often on a daily basis.

The fact that REITs do not enjoy the advantages of real estate ownership, such as the mortgage interest deduction, depreciation, and 1031 exchanges, is another disadvantage of REITs. By selling an asset and then buying similar-type property with the profits, investors can use a 1031 exchange to postpone paying capital gains tax. Using 1031 exchanges, many investors can postpone paying capital gains taxes—often indefinitely—while shifting into higher-valued assets and expanding their real estate holdings. Investors in REITs are not permitted to use this significant tax-saving strategy, but DST and TIC investors are.

Property Equity Funds


Investment funds come in a variety of forms, such as mutual funds, money market funds, and hedge funds. Real estate funds are merely another category of investment funds that are solely dedicated to buying income-producing real estate.

An alternate means of investing in commercial real estate is through real estate funds. Real estate funds will combine money that has been collected from various investors and sources. Depending on the predetermined investment criteria of the fund, the fund will subsequently invest that money on behalf of the investors. Similar to REITs, some funds will define investment criteria based on the type of product (such as multifamily, retail, or office), while others will focus investments in a particular geographic area (such as the Northeast or Southwest) regardless of the type of product.

A stringent investing philosophy, such as value-add development or ground-up development, is also typically adopted by some real estate funds. Other funds can be established up to acquire and hold stabilized assets.

Typically, real estate funds are organized as either limited partnerships or limited liability corporations (LLCs) (LP).

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In either scenario, they are typically led by a sponsor who has years—if not decades—of expertise in the real estate sector. The fund management will evaluate each investment opportunity and use the pooled funds to invest in a few chosen transactions depending on the fund's criteria.

Investors that prefer to be completely passive and delegate all duties to the sponsor are frequently drawn to real estate equity funds. Investors in funds should adopt a long-term mindset because assets are typically illiquid and tie up capital for years (and if withdrawn early, will be subject to fees and penalties). A fund's investment minimum is typically between $50,000 and $100,000, though it can often be significantly higher.

The sale of a property or portfolio of properties in a traditional LLC/LP offering does not provide passive investors with the same tax advantages as a TIC or DST, namely a 1031 exchange. Investors are responsible for capital gains and depreciation recapture when the property is sold, which results in a taxable event.

The "drop and swap" trade, which calls for the company (the LP or LLC) to execute "drop down deeds," which are deeds that transfer title out of the company and down to the individual members or partners as tenants-in-common (TIC) with undivided fractional interest, is the exception to this rule.

In order to comply with the 1031 rule that states that the property must be "kept for productive use in a trade or business or for investment," the TICs must continue keeping the property for a specific amount of time (usually, two years is seen to be the minimum). If not, the drop-down deeds are regarded as proof that the property is being held for sale, which disqualifies it from being eligible for a 1031 exchange. A few years of holding the property as TIC can help demonstrate investment intent. Individual investors can sell their TIC interest as surrendered property after the holding period has passed and either complete a 1031 exchange on their own or pay their respective capital gains and walk away with the sale profits.

Although drop and swap exchanges take a lot of effort and are rarely pursued by equity fund sponsors, it is important to remember that these swaps are technically feasible for those looking for the advantages of 1031 exchanges. People who want a more straightforward, well-defined method will typically choose to invest in a DST instead (see below).

Tenants-in-Common (TICs)


Tenant-in-common, or TIC, ownership of real estate is another way to invest in it. Each co-owner of a TIC has a proportionate share of the property's title, according to their total equity contribution.

TICs are distinctive in that all participating members must agree to every choice, including the most basic ones like who to refinance with. Although the 35 members (or "co-owners") of TICs may appear like a tiny number, in reality, this might make decision-making more difficult. Additionally, it implies that investors are more active than those who participate in purely passive investment vehicles such as REITs, funds, or DSTs.

The federal government declared that TIC assets might benefit from 1031 exchanges at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Up until the Great Recession began in 2008, this led to an increase in TIC investments. When real estate prices fell, TIC popularity also fell. Investors were held individually responsible for the debt on the property (compare that to a DST in which it is the DST Sponsor that is solely liable for debt repayment, not the investors). During the economic downturn, TIC investors frequently found it difficult to come to consensus on the best course of action, and as a result, many TICs failed to survive. A number of these properties went under foreclosure, and investors completely lost their equity investments.

Due to the problems that TICs have revealed, many investors no longer like them. Instead, people seeking to co-own real estate typically make DST investments (more on DSTs below). It is important to note that TIC investors can use 1031 exchanges, which allows them to defer 100% of any potential gain and depreciation recovery from their initial investment. As a result, value-add investors seeking co-ownership will frequently choose TICs since DSTs typically only invest in stabilized, cash-flowing assets.

Deleware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)


Another form that is frequently utilized by persons looking to co-invest in real estate is a Delaware Statutory Trust, or DST. The majority of DST programs are provided by third-party broker dealers and sponsored by sizable, seasoned national real estate organizations. The property(ies) to be offered under the trust are purchased by the DST sponsor with their own money. The asset(s) are subsequently made fractionally owned by the DST sponsor available to investors. Investors are absolutely passive when it comes to DSTs.

A direct beneficial ownership interest in the underlying asset(s) is acquired by someone who invests in a DST, allowing them to report the item on Schedule E of their tax returns.

Due to this direct ownership interest, DST investors enjoy many of the same tax benefits as those who purchase and own real estate on their own, including the option to use depreciation to possibly offset income from the property. A 1031 exchange can be used by investors to invest in and out of DSTs.

Crowdfunding Websites


Since the federal JOBS Act relaxed the restrictions on how people can raise funds for commercial real estate ventures in 2012, crowdfunding has gained popularity. Previously, project sponsors had to be personally acquainted with the investors in their projects, but today, sponsors are allowed to participate in "generic solicitation." Due to this, real estate crowdfunding websites like RealCrowd, Fundrise, and RealtyMogul among others came into existence.

In order to invest in real estate ventures, a project sponsor (often a real estate corporation, LP, or LLC) aggregates money from a large number of investors (dozens, if not hundreds).

Fundraising websites like Fundrise are essentially the same as the equity funds mentioned earlier. Instead of the sponsor having to hold individual meetings to pitch to investors, the platforms are just a tool for putting money into a fund online. These platforms allow sponsors to expedite their capital raising, but in the end, a person invests in a fund, not the platform.

As a result, much like with conventional equity funds, the investors won't be allowed to participate in a 1031 exchange when it comes time to sell the property. Investors are required to pay capital gains tax on their profits when they sell the property because this constitutes a taxable event.

CONCLUSION


Real estate co-investment can be done in a variety of ways. Each of these investment vehicles has advantages and disadvantages of its own, as well as varied levels of tax benefits. DSTs and TICs enable investors to use their 1031 exchange dollars, which is a substantial advantage.

Contact us right away if you're interested in finding out more about DST investments and 1031 exchanges. We would be pleased to go over the advantages of DST investing in greater depth with you as well as the current options.

General Disclosure

Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. Information herein is provided for information purposes only, and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision. All investing involves risk of loss of some or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing.

Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication.

1031 Risk Disclosure:

How Investing In Real Estate May Protect You From Inflation

All of the major business news channels have recently used the word "inflation" in their headlines to describe the gradual rise in the price of goods and services over time. Everyone was mainly concerned with talking about how abruptly and finally the United States' record low inflation rate was ending. Food prices were the highest they had ever been, used car prices were setting records, lumber costs were soaring, and it appeared that gasoline prices would continue to rise.

It is no longer a secret that the price of necessities like food and shelter is rising, even though the precise cause of price hikes is still up for debate. While it is still true that we have experienced a fortunate and extended period of low inflation, it seems like all good things do, in fact, come to an end, and currently is essentially the end of inflation's record lows. Inflation is currently having an impact on the life and work of the average American.

For financial backers, high inflation prices have the consequence that it may affect the value of a potential source of revenue in the future. As a result, investors must produce returns that are greater than the rate of price inflation. This means that financial backers should be prepared to adjust their venture strategies going forward and carefully plan to support against inflation now more than ever.

In this essay, we will define inflation, discuss how it affects financial backers, and promote one main idea: that sound money management may be the best defense against both inflation and the lack of buying power that results from it.

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Inflation: What is it?

After some time, inflation is the gradual increase in labor and product costs. The Consumer Price Index, which is based on a registry of frequently purchased products and services, is used to estimate it. The United States' central bank is in charge of establishing monetary policy, and inflation is frequently one of its main concerns.

The Federal Reserve saves the ability to respond when price inflation extends over or below this reach, but generally works to control inflation to a defined aim (about 2-3% annually).

According to the most recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation, rose by 5% over the course of the previous year alone. The most notable increase started in 2008, ironically the last time the country experienced a financial disaster.

How is inflation going to hurt financial investors?

Since financial backers must generate returns that outpace economic inflation, inflation can be harmful to their investments.

To reach this important conclusion even more forcefully, a model can be used.

If inflation is running at 3% per year and a financial backer puts her money in a currency market account that offers a reasonable rate of income at 2% per year, she will actually lose 1% of her purchasing power annually compared to inflation. Long-term, the financial backer's funds may buy less because labor and product costs have increased more quickly than her speculative returns.

Financial backers can think about looking for inflation fences or resource classes that are ideally located with the potential to perform well in times like these to avoid a situation like this.

Financial planning that emphasizes real estate may be the hedge you need to protect yourself from inflation.

Why is real estate considered to be a reliable inflation hedge?

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There are several causes. Insofar as one is concerned, one could examine how inflation affects obligation. After some time, the rising cost of a home reduces the credit to the amount of any mortgage debt, functioning as a kind of cyclical markdown. As a result, even while the property's value rises, your fixed-rate contract installments stay the same.

Due to the fact that rising home prices typically result in multifamily housing networks, inflation may also benefit investors who make money from investment properties, particularly those who own property in those locations. If a land investor can modify the terms of their lease while keeping their mortgage the same, this creates the opportunity for increased financial flexibility.

Finally, as property valuations tend to continue on a steady vertical arc over time, land may be a good hedge against inflation. The bulk of the homes that fell to their lowest prices when the real estate bubble broke in 2008 did so in less than ten years. Additionally, land speculation can produce predicted recurrent income for financial supporters and can keep pace with or even outpace inflation in terms of value.

We should now focus on a few techniques frequently employed to try to fence land enterprises against inflation because the evidence seems to favor land and because it is a resource class that has generally held its own when faced with rising inflation rates.

How could using real estate as a hedge possibly be possible?

Investing in a multifamily property may be one of the most revolutionary ways to use land to protect against inflation. Residents of certain types of properties, such as commercial buildings (such retail sites), are required to sign long-term business leases. The majority of multifamily housing only renews rents once a year for each occupant. The more frequently you are given adequate opportunities to change the lease, the more units the building has. The same holds true for self-capacity.

Multifamily structures, such as apartment buildings, are a special resource class in that they are frequently continually in demand, especially as accommodation expenses soar. Additionally, there is a limited supply of buildings or new improvement projects due to recent increases in labor and material costs, which might lead to an increase in rental rates and property estimates. Together, these two factors equal a property that might not be vacant for prolonged periods of time and different opportunities to renew or start leases at prices that reflect changes in the market.

Another thing to take into account is that cost repayments, another rent component, are another way that land money management may be able to keep up with inflation. No matter the type of building structure, leases transmit some of a property's ongoing operating costs to its tenants. Landowners or building owners can surely be partially protected against the increase in utility and support costs due to inflation.

At that moment, it is obvious that investing in land, particularly in multifamily housing units, may be a good way for our ongoing business sector to protect itself from inflation. Effective money management is frequently considered a technique to protect reserve monies in a volatile and inflationary economy.

The motivation for financial backers' hasty landing in the midst of financial weakness is extremely clear. No matter what, a place to stay will always be needed, and hence likely in demand. A long-term investment in a speculation property may be a safe way to turn a passing interest into something more substantial in the near future.

However, investors can look at land trusts (REITs), intuitional land assets, and Delaware Statutory Trusts if they are unable to own and manage the venture property themselves or simply don't want to (DSTs). It is entirely up to each individual to decide how to manage their finances with regard to their land; this is and should be a personal financial decision. In any event, it might be worth your time and effort to educate yourself on all of your options before making a decision. You might also consult a learning experience expert like the team at Perch Wealth.

Why is investing in a DST a potentially lucrative land venture option?

Investing in a Delaware Statutory Trust, or DST, may be an extremely enticing land investment option if your major worry is to hunt for wealth protection during an inflationary financial moment. A DST is a typically complex arrangement for people who want to invest some resources in land.

A DST is a mechanism for financial supporters to own land with the potential to obtain recurring, automated income and have no management responsibility. Most investors rarely think about whether they want active or passive management of domain property, and as a result, they frequently find themselves in situations they don't feel qualified for, aren't very interested in, or aren't currently benefitting from as they would like. A DST investment is a fantastic prelude to a potential ongoing source of income and accumulation of unrelated riches for a first-time or relatively new financial supporter.

There are two crucial methods via which one can invest in a DST. The first is by making a quick financial guess. If you're new to land effective money management, for instance, and you merely need to lock down your opportunity, you can aim to invest $50,000 in a DST in order to gain momentum in the land industry. The second method involves a 1031 Exchange.

Many investors are completely unaware that they can use a 1031 Exchange to fund a DST, despite the fact that there are many potential benefits to doing so. By completing a 1031 Exchange, you can potentially increase the current housing market level and separate your assets into multiple DSTs that are geologically shifted and in certain resource classes, helping to moderate and potentially limiting the overall risk to your capital. If you're interested in learning more about 1031 Exchanges, DSTs, or other types of optional land speculation schemes, contact a financial professional at Perch Wealth right away.

General Disclosure

Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. Information herein is provided for information purposes only and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision. All investing involves risk of loss of some, or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing.

Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication.

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