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Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) is a new benchmark interest rate for borrowing cash secured by Treasury securities that was introduced in 2018. SOFR is calculated using actual transaction data from the marketplace, making it less susceptible to manipulation than LIBOR, which was based on self-reported rates submitted by banks.

Financing a Fourplex: Construction Costs & Loan Options

Financing a Fourplex: Construction Costs & Loan Options

Financing a fourplex construction can be difficult, but there are a variety of loan options available to help get the job done. Take time to explore and understand each of these options as well as the costs associated with building a fourplex before planning a development.  What Is a Fourplex? A fourplex is a residential property with four separate units. Fourplexes are usually smaller than larger apartment buildings, and they may be owner-occupied or rental properties. This type of multifamily development is typically built as rentals, but can also be converted into condos or co-ops.   Fourplexes are unique because they’re the largest multi-family properties (in terms of number of units) that are eligible for conventional financing through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans. That means that if you’re looking to finance a fourplex construction, you have more loan options available to you than if you were building a larger apartment complex. How Much Does It Cost to Build a Fourplex? The cost to build a fourplex varies widely based on a number of factors, including the location of the property, size of the units, construction quality, and interior finishes. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 for the construction of a fourplex, but it may cost more. These are some of the expenses associated with building a fourplex: Land How much you pay for land depends primarily on the size and location of the property, but expect to pay $40,000 or more for the land. For example, building a fourplex in a city center will typically be more expensive than building one in a suburban or rural area where land costs are lower.   You’ll also incur several thousands of dollars in financing costs for the purchase of land. Also, keep in mind that land usually must be purchased with cash, and the land will ultimately be used as collateral to secure a construction loan.  Site Preparation, Utilities, and Permits After you purchase the land, you’ll need to pay to have the site graded and utilities installed, including septic systems or sewer hookups. This can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size of the property and the location.   You will also need to obtain several permits in order to begin construction on your fourplex. These include a building permit, a plumbing permit, and an electrical permit. The cost of permits varies widely depending on the municipality in which the property is located, but you can expect to pay several hundred to several thousand dollars in permit fees. Fourplex Construction Costs Fourplex construction costs vary based on the type of materials used and the level of finishes. Using higher-end materials and finishes will obviously cost more than using basic materials. Budget for around $125 to $150 per square foot for basic construction costs depending on floor plan, material construction, number of windows, and finishes.    For example, building a 2,000-square foot fourplex with basic materials and finishes would cost approximately $250,000 to construct. Holding Costs Don’t forget you will have to cover holding costs for the property leading up to and during construction. These expenses are extremely property-specific and include taxes and insurance, as well as any interest you may accrue on your construction loan. Ways to Finance Fourplex Construction Costs There are several financing options available for those looking to build a fourplex. One option is to take out a construction loan, which can be used to finance the entire project from start to finish. Another option is to secure financing through an investment group or private lender. Finally, you could also use your own savings or equity to finance the construction of your fourplex. Construction Loans The best way to finance construction of a fourplex is with a multifamily construction loan. To take advantage of this option, use cash to buy the land where you intend to build, and then put together a pro forma showing the projected costs of construction and value of units. Then, apply for a loan through a  commercial lender.   Construction loans are typically interest-only during the draw period, meaning you only have to make payments on the interest accruing on the loan during construction. Once construction is complete, the loan will need to be refinanced into a permanent mortgage with fixed monthly payments. Conventional Residential Loan A conventional residential loan can be used to finance the construction of a fourplex. This type of loan is typically available through banks and credit unions, but requires that you live in one of the units. The terms of these loans vary, but they typically have fixed interest rates and require a downpayment of 20% or more. Hard Money Loans Hard money loans are another option to consider for fourplex construction. These loans are typically provided by private investors or lending companies, rather than traditional financial institutions. Hard money loans often have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms than other types of loans. However, they can be easier to qualify for, and the approval process is usually quicker. Where to Get a Fourplex Construction Loan If you’re thinking about financing a fourplex construction, it’s important to understand the different types of possible lenders and the loan options available. Here’s a brief overview: Commercial Banks Commercial banks are one of the most common sources of financing for fourplex construction. If you have a good relationship with your local bank, this can be a good option to explore. However, commercial banks typically have more stringent eligibility requirements and may require higher down payments than other lenders. Credit Unions Credit unions are another potential source of financing for fourplex construction. They typically have lower interest rates than commercial banks and may be more willing to work with borrowers who don’t have perfect credit. However, credit unions usually require memberships, though these may be obtained as part of the application process. Loan Brokers Loan brokers can be a good option for those who are having trouble securing

Reverse 1031 Exchange

What is a Reverse 1031 Exchange and How Does it Work?

A reverse 1031 exchange is a complicated financial strategy that involves the purchase of like-kind property before selling an existing property. It can be an appealing option for investors who want to take advantage of favorable market prices. The process allows the purchase of a new like-kind property backed by the future proceeds from the sale of an existing property.   We will go over the advantages of a reverse 1031 exchange to better understand how it can be used as a sound financial strategy. While there are advantages and disadvantages to this strategy, the tax benefits and ability to purchase in favorable market conditions may make it a beneficial approach when purchasing like-kind properties. What is a Reverse 1031 Exchange? A traditional 1031 exchange is when an investor sells off a property and purchases a new property with those finances. A reverse 1031 exchange works in the opposite way – an investor purchases a property and sells off another property to fund the purchase. The investor has 180 days to sell the like-kind property. Funds are then used to pay for a new property without facing capital gains tax. How does a Reverse 1031 Exchange Work? A reverse 1031 exchange allows an investor to act on an enticing property immediately. It should be noted that the investor cannot hold the title of the new property until the existing property is sold. The title of the new property will remain with an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (EAT) until the sale of the existing property is completed. A reverse 1031 exchange gives investors time to postpone capital gain taxes on their property. Structure of a Reverse 1031 Exchange The Revenue Procedure 2000-37 forbids the acting party to have complete ownership of both the relinquished property and the replacement property at the same time. There are two ways to approach the subject of a reverse 1031 – exchange last or exchange first. Exchange Last The exchange last structure is the preferred strategy for both buyers and investors. It allows for more flexibility regarding the structuring and financing of the properties. In an exchange last structure, the acquired property is “parked” by the EAT. After the closure of the relinquished property, the 1031 is eligible to be closed. Exchange First An exchange first approach is when the EAT takes possession of the relinquished title before the closing of the replacement property. This method requires significantly more cash on hand for the buyer and offers less flexibility in the structuring and financing of both properties in question. What is ‘Parking’? This is an expression used frequently in discussions about reverse 1031 exchange. Parking refers to the process of the EAT taking possession and holding onto the title of a property during an exchange. What Is the Process of a Reverse 1031 Exchange? There are eight main steps in a reverse 1031 exchange. Below is the most common approach to a reverse 1031 exchange (an exchange last approach): Find and purchase a replacement property. You can use cash, conventional financing, or short-term private money loans to do so.  Reach a qualified exchange accommodation agreement (QEAA) with your EAT. This is a formal, written agreement with your EAT to hold possession of the replacement property. An EAT is an unrelated party.  Relinquish title and possession of the new property to EAT. Once the sale of the replacement property is finalized, the title and possession can be temporarily transferred to your EAT.  Decide which property to sell. The property must be a like-property to the replacement property. We will talk further about specific guidelines later on in the article.  Find a buyer for your property. Obtain a formal, written contract for the sale of your relinquished property. It is important to list your EAT as the seller of the relinquished property.  Reach an agreement with your Qualified Intermediary (QI). The QI is responsible for transferring the title of the relinquished property to the buyer, as well as acquiring the title of the replacement property.  Transfer the deed of the relinquished property. The buyer will purchase the relinquished property from your EAT.  Obtain the deed of your new property. Once all transitions and money have gone through, the EAT will then transfer the deed of the replacement property to you. While the process can be a tedious one, it may be worth it for investors looking to avoid costly capital gains taxes. Reverse 1031 Exchange Timeline The timeline for a reverse 1031 exchange mirrors those of a 1031 exchange. 45 days. The relinquished property must be identified within 45 days of purchasing the replacement property.  180 days. The closing of the sale of the relinquished property must be finalized within 180 days of purchasing the replacement property. This timeline is enforced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Revenue Procedure 2000-37.  Reverse 1031 Exchange Requirements The requirements on property type and value for a reverse 1031 exchange are the same as for a 1031 exchange and are as follows: Property value. The replacement property must be equal to or greater in value than the relinquished property. Otherwise, a tax is triggered on the difference in value.  “Like-kind” Property Exchange. The IRS defines “like-kind” property as those that have the same nature or characteristics, regardless of grade or quality. An example of this would be exchanging an office investment property for another office complex.  Investment or business purposes. The properties involved in the exchange must be held for investment or business purposes. Neither the replacement property, nor the relinquished property can be a residence of the taxpayer. It is necessary to keep those three requirements in mind while sorting through potential properties. Otherwise, the taxpayer will not reap the tax benefits of going through the strenuous process of the reverse 1031 exchange. Reverse 1031 Exchange Rules In addition to following the property requirements set forth on a reverse 1031 exchange, it is essential to follow the set rules. Timeline. The timeline defined above must be met. The exchange must be