Anonymous
Post 04/09/2013 07:14     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Are you sure you can't refinance it? Costco Mortgage has some pretty sweet deals going on, and the calculator says the do investment properties.
Anonymous
Post 04/09/2013 03:06     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

How much principal do you add every month? If it is much more than $400 you may come out ahead keeping the condo.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2013 21:38     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I have been renting out a condo in Arlington where I lose $400/month. The value has gone up about 100K- however I would only clear about 25K after capital gains, realtor fees and paying off a HELOC. I can't refinance b/c it's an "investment" property.

Cons: I fear that I will have to put some money into it pretty soon since the appliances are all original (1997) and it needs some updating. I think it would take about 5 years to net zero on the property.

Pros: great for taxes and taking the loss but not sure it's worth it

thoughts?


Nothing personal, but this notion of the tax break being great drives me nuts - you only get the tax break because you are paying interest. The mortgage interest deduction helps people afford homes, it's not a tax benefit.


That's not true. You get to deduct passive losses on real estate if your income is under $100k (and in part up to $150k). The loss on this home is likely to be more than just the mortgage interest, it will be the net loss of all the expenses of keeping this house, minus the rent received.


Yes, but you're still spending money and not getting it all back. It's a net loss. You don't get so something for nothing from the IRS.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2013 16:40     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Wait, am I understanding this? You have a choice between a $25K gain and losing five grand a year for the foreseeable future? And you have to ask?
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2013 13:05     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Yes, rental real estate has a lot of depreciation deductions, although you end up paying the tax in the end when you sell.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2013 11:28     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I have been renting out a condo in Arlington where I lose $400/month. The value has gone up about 100K- however I would only clear about 25K after capital gains, realtor fees and paying off a HELOC. I can't refinance b/c it's an "investment" property.

Cons: I fear that I will have to put some money into it pretty soon since the appliances are all original (1997) and it needs some updating. I think it would take about 5 years to net zero on the property.

Pros: great for taxes and taking the loss but not sure it's worth it

thoughts?


Nothing personal, but this notion of the tax break being great drives me nuts - you only get the tax break because you are paying interest. The mortgage interest deduction helps people afford homes, it's not a tax benefit.


That's not true. You get to deduct passive losses on real estate if your income is under $100k (and in part up to $150k). The loss on this home is likely to be more than just the mortgage interest, it will be the net loss of all the expenses of keeping this house, minus the rent received.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2013 09:00     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

We are in a similar situation but would have to sell at a 25K loss. We are also phased out of the tax deduction. If we could break even or sell at 10K loss we would do it in a heart beat. 25k profit is a lot of money and we would kill to be in your situation!
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2013 08:52     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Pp here. Plus 25k isn't chump change. Personally i would focus on your primary home and invest the 25 k or pay down other debt if you have it.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2013 08:50     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

In the same boat but can't sell as its underwater. If I were you I'd sell and simplify.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2013 08:43     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Anonymous wrote:I have been renting out a condo in Arlington where I lose $400/month. The value has gone up about 100K- however I would only clear about 25K after capital gains, realtor fees and paying off a HELOC. I can't refinance b/c it's an "investment" property.

Cons: I fear that I will have to put some money into it pretty soon since the appliances are all original (1997) and it needs some updating. I think it would take about 5 years to net zero on the property.

Pros: great for taxes and taking the loss but not sure it's worth it

thoughts?


Nothing personal, but this notion of the tax break being great drives me nuts - you only get the tax break because you are paying interest. The mortgage interest deduction helps people afford homes, it's not a tax benefit.
Anonymous
Post 04/06/2013 13:37     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Why can't you refi? We refinanced our investment property last year.
Anonymous
Post 04/06/2013 13:17     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Are you sure you're actually taking the loss on your taxes? Most of those deductions phase out at $100,000 AGI.
Anonymous
Post 04/06/2013 12:44     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Also why pay interest to get a deduction?
Anonymous
Post 04/06/2013 12:43     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

Do your taxes and then do them without the condo for your own benefit. That should give you the answer.
Anonymous
Post 04/06/2013 12:09     Subject: is it "worth" it to keep a rental where you lose $400/month

I have been renting out a condo in Arlington where I lose $400/month. The value has gone up about 100K- however I would only clear about 25K after capital gains, realtor fees and paying off a HELOC. I can't refinance b/c it's an "investment" property.

Cons: I fear that I will have to put some money into it pretty soon since the appliances are all original (1997) and it needs some updating. I think it would take about 5 years to net zero on the property.

Pros: great for taxes and taking the loss but not sure it's worth it

thoughts?