How Can I Protect My Real Estate Assets?

How can a person protect a real estate asset to ensure its value? That’s what Wealth Advisor’s recent article, “8 Reliable Ways to Protect a Real Estate Asset,” asks. The article suggests that you look at this guide for several ways to keep your investments valuable.

1. Insurance. This is one of the most popular asset protection strategies in real estate. The protection you select for your property depends on the real estate type. You can protect your home with a homeowner’s policy and your commercial property with a business policy. Insurance will protect you against many catastrophic events.
2. Limited Liability. An LLC for rental property can protect your personal assets from potential lawsuits. With limited liability, your home is shielded from litigation concerning your business. One strategy is to buy a house with an LLC and rent it to yourself to minimize financial risks. This will limit the odds of personal real estate asset seizure. However, consult with an attorney to avoid charges on fraudulent practices. You should also place your commercial real estate properties in different LLCs, so if one asset faces a risk, the remainder of your property will be protected.
3. Anonymous Land Trust. You can create an anonymous land trust to avoid legal implications on your real estate property. With a trustee, you don’t need to have your name on records, so putting your house in a trust will protect your investment. This may discourage anyone from attempting to pursue a lawsuit against you.
4. The Titling of Assets. This can also be a great protection strategy. If your spouse is an equal tenant, it provides you with an indivisible interest, so if your spouse is involved in litigation, creditors can’t claim your house because you have an interest. Ask your estate planning attorney about how this works in your state.
5. Protection Through Debt. Debt is an affordable way to protect your real estate property because the available equity is insignificant. The low income may also discourage creditors from going after your property.
6. Eliminating Assets. You can get rid of your real estate asset, if creditors are on your tail. A lawsuit against you can’t affect the property that’s not under your name. Ask your attorney about transferring ownership of the property to irrevocable trusts.
7. Homestead Exemptions. In some states, the homestead laws provide full or partial protection of home equity. If the exemption is high, think about increasing your mortgage payment to promote fund protection.
8. Avoid Risky Situations. As a real estate investor, do your due diligence. Be certain that your review contracts carefully and work with an attorney.

Consider these property protection strategies to ensure that your real estate assets remain secure. Ask your estate planning attorney

Reference: Wealth Advisor (November 19, 2019) “8 Reliable Ways to Protect a Real Estate Asset”