What’s New with Qualified Opportunity Zones and Funds By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) introduced Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) as a way to incentivize long-term investment in underserved communities. With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), investors and advisors should take note of several important enhancements and permanent changes that elevate the utility and accessi

Urgent Highlights for 2025 and Beyond Tax Planning ¹ By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning The table below outlines key provisions impacting investment real estate under the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), compared to the prior 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The focus is on 2025 action items that may require timely attention from real estate investors and their advisory teams. Understanding these updates can inform p

Potential tools to reduce interest rate risk and cash flow, let's take a few minutes to compare the Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) (also known as reverse mortgages). by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning Managing debt is a frequent concern for many clients, particularly those seeking to consolidate credit card debt or reduce/eliminate mortgage payments. When it comes to accessing home e

NewPark Mall, Newark, CA conceptual rendering. By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning When I first shared the initial article in this series on Zombie Malls, I didn’t anticipate it evolving into a miniseries. Yet here we are, exploring one of the most compelling examples of revitalizing a declining property type: transforming dead shopping malls into vibrant multifamily developments. This trend addresses a critical housing shortage and ad

By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer® Financial Planning As a landlord, you understand that your role goes beyond collecting rent and maintaining the property. You handle everything from repairs and late payments to tenant disputes and evictions. However, one situation that many landlords may not prepare for is a tenant's death. While this may be an unfortunate and challenging experience, knowing how to navigate this sensitive issue legally and emotionally i

By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning I received the question below, which is growing in frequency. The question can apply to individuals or families with a lower net worth and or those who simply need financial advice or prefer to manage their own investments. I hope this reply can help someone you know. Question “I’m curious if you have any recommendations for financial planners working with folks with a lower net worth. I want to star

While the chart provides a high-level overview, personalized planning, and detailed calculations are essential for making informed decisions. source of chart: Visual Capitalist. by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning Moving out of their current state often comes up during the financial planning process . Motivations vary, including proximity to family and grandchildren, finding a politically friendly environment, seeking lower state taxes

by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning Questions about buying a first home often spark concern, especially for Millennials and Gen Z. Charts like the above can amplify this uncertainty. The Good News There is a correct answer to the rent vs. own question for each household, and it lies in understanding your financial priorities, resources, cash flow, and long-term goals. As a financial planner, I’ve helped many navigate this decision by b

Recently sold at an approximately 80% discount from the previous sale: The Offices at Public Market Class-A Building, 6001 Shellmound St,...

Recent trends can help spot challenges and identify opportunities in the year ahead. By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM As we enter 2025, the...

Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM Last week, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) hosted its year-end Real Estate Forecast Summit, featuring...

By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM Generative AI is revolutionizing business, and investment real estate is no exception. For advisors and...

CFP Board developed this Guide to the Practice Standards for the Financial Planning Process to illustrate how a CFP® professional might...

Republished in ReThinking65.com By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ®  Financial Planning Inheriting real estate from parents can be a significant financial lift for beneficiaries. Receiving this gift comes with significant responsibilities and decisions. Understanding the best practices during this process can help beneficiaries maximize the benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls. Here are some key considerations when inheriting real estate, from under

This is a starting point for identifying 1031 exchanges, and not a specific recommendation on your needs and circumstances. I hope this...

Please forward this to anyone you feel may be interested. A 15-hour Real Estate Investments for Financial Planners course starts soon at...

Financial planning clients asking this question may not understand that there are more important questions to ask. Originally published...

By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM Put aside the known risks of real estate, with its value fluctuations and interest rate dynamics. Let's talk...

by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM Note: What follows is a message I sent today to my daughter. She has grown out of the student credit card we...

by Rich Arzaga, CFP ® , CCIM Real Estate and Economic Outlook, Midyear NAR Forecast Summit July 22, 2024. The National Association of...