How well are you using CRE tech? See how you stack up. Take our 2-minute survey!.

How to Invest In Opportunity Zones

Table of Contents

The real estate industry provides investors with numerous opportunities to draw huge benefits. If you are ready to implement your investment strategies appropriately, then there is no doubt of succeeding in the sector. For instance, opportunity zones are a significant investment that commercial and residential real estate agents should focus on. 

They come in handy with various tax benefits. Most importantly, the investment gains and lenient tax policies have given most investors the full picture of the continued venture in opportunity zones. However, the main question here is exactly how to venture into opportunity zones. Here are simple tips for investing in opportunity zones.

Be Familiar with Opportunity Zones, the Way they Work and Their Benefits

Although understanding opportunity zones and their benefits are not challenging, familiarizing yourself with these zones is paramount. Most venture capitalists fail for ignoring the effect of learning the fundamental policies of these investments. For instance, if you are keen to check the policies, you may end up fetching huge capital gains as well as tax reductions. 

However, you can best draw most of these benefits in ten years of opportunity zones venture. Some benefits consist of a 10% reduction of tax of the initial differed investment gain whenever an investor holds the investment for five decades. Once you reach seven years, the deal gets more exciting, and you may receive a deduction of 15% tax of your deferred gains. More interestingly, ten years in opportunity zones venture grants you a chance to pocket 100% tax reduction of your gains.

Find the Exact Opportunity Zones to Endow 

You don’t just wake up and pick any opportunity zone investment available around. It’s crucial to note that not every zone offers similar benefits. While certain zones are established in potential growth regions, some are slowly developing areas. Nevertheless, this should not worry you so much. Why don’t you pick the main housing market zones? They are a major boost to a reaping business as they have fast economic growth, thus, increasing your safety.

Get the Owner Details and Contact Information for That Property

The choice of a property to invest is not enough without thinking about the owner’s details including their names and contact details. It does not matter whether this is an individual or else a company. In all cases, you have to find their true names and contact information. It’s among the critical steps that will lead to an exceptional deal. For example, reaching them might offer you a chance to negotiate for price and unlock new opportunities for decision-making.

Consider Investing Your Gains in a Recognized Qualified Opportunity Fund

Once you have decided on a particular location, you should consider capitalizing in a qualified opportunity fund. However, before you get to this point, are you aware of how this plan works? Simply, this will be your main target to pool the capital benefits that you obtain in every property deal. 

Of course, this attracts an amazing benefit where 90% of the investment will be part of another residential real property venture. Whichever selection, ensure that you pick a fund deal with extensive histories of gainful opportunity zones deals.

Self-Certify or Trace an Opportunity Zone Fund

At one point, you will have to decide on a more sustainable plan making you select between self-certification and qualified opportunity funds. Even though many investors go for qualified opportunity zones, it is imperative to remember that this plan involves some fees besides their recognized benefits. 

However, if you have to self-certify yourself, then you must be ready to fill in the IRS 8996 form and submitting taxes. On the other hand, it will save you quite some good investment fees. Moreover, you will have control over your investments.

Think Through Executing a Buying and Holding Real Estate Approach

If you are considering drawing huge returns of investment from opportunity zones, taking a lasting deal is recommendable. It’s not all about the tax gains you reap. How much money will you procure for a short-term deal compared to a long-standing deal? The fact here is that if you select the best opportunity zone, you do not have to doubt its rapid and continued development. Therefore, this implies that holding the investment will be worth the wait.

Wait and Realize the Tax Gains

Patience is of the essence when you think of venturing into opportunity zones. You don’t have to undergo the overwhelming procedure of opportunity zone property search and give up in the course of the journey. It will only take you five to ten years to realize your tax benefits. So, sit back and watch your investment in the opportunity zone of your choice grow. However, given the existing short period of reaping maximum benefit from the sector, it is recommendable to start your investment soon.

Final Word

Investing in opportunity zones is nothing to question about. By following the above steps, you must have understood the basics of opportunity zones investment. Together with the vast tax benefits and its potential investment returns, opportunity zones should be your next investment plan to consider.

 

Select your Property Type

Search Residential Properties

Includes Single Family Residential Properties

Search Commercial Properties

Includes All Property Types