Love, marriage and real estate

Today, more and more young adults are spreading their wings and enjoying life before choosing to settle down. The savvier have moved away from monthly rent and are taking advantage of the real estate market. As a result, it is not uncommon to see new marriages in which both the bride and the groom enter the union with a dowry that includes real estate!

So, what to do with an extra house? Perhaps the first temptation is to immediately sell one and use the proceeds to fix up the other house or buy something different altogether. A good idea, and one that will set you up with a nice down payment when it is time to purchase a larger house for a growing family.

This is not the only option for newlyweds with two homes. According to the professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation, another good idea is to keep one house as a rental unit. The tax codes allow you to immediately depreciate the value of the building over 27 years, and any taxes, insurance, visits to your property and fix-ups are all write-offs. With this approach, both homes are investments and you build equity in each. Or yet another suggestion is to sell one of the homes and buy a condominium to turn into a rental unit.

No matter which option you choose, consult with a knowledgeable real estate sales associate before making any big decisions. A good realtor will know the market and be able to counsel you on the type of cash flow you may expect with a rental in your particular neighborhood or whether a straight sale is the better way to go. If you choose to rent, seek the advice of a good accountant to help you navigate the various tax advantages to being a landlord.