In today’s world, we all are attracted to real time data: interest rates, average price of a home, how many homes are on the market, inflation rates, gas prices, the stock market, the price of a 10-year T-bill, etc.
In reality, most of those items aren’t useful without knowing your options when it comes to your property. Here is list of items I like to talk about when I first meet with any property owner. Whenever I speak with potential clients about making a decision with their property, I make sure to present as many any scenarios as possible.

Off-Market Options (Private Transfers & Estate Planning)

• Will (Bequeathing the Property to Heirs)

  • You can designate the property in your will to pass to specific beneficiaries upon your death.

  • Probate may be required unless other estate planning measures (such as a trust) are in place.

• Trust (Holding the Property for Beneficiaries)

  • Placing the property in a revocable or irrevocable trust allows control over how and when beneficiaries inherit it.

  • Helps avoid probate and may provide tax benefits.

• Gifting the Property

  • You can transfer ownership as a gift to a family member or another party.

  • May be subject to gift tax if the value exceeds federal or state limits.

• Transfer on Death Deed (TODD)

  • Some states allow you to file a TOD deed, which names a beneficiary who automatically inherits the property upon your passing.

  • Helps avoid probate but retains your ownership rights until death.

• Owner Financing (Private Loan to Buyer)

  • Instead of selling outright, you act as the lender, allowing the buyer to pay in installments.

  • Terms may include:

    • Down Payment: 10-30% upfront

    • Interest Rate: 5-8% (depending on creditworthiness)

    • Term Length: 5-30 years

    • Balloon Payment: Lump sum due at a set future date

• Land Contract (Contract for Deed)

  • The seller retains legal title while the buyer makes payments. Title transfers when the contract is fully paid.

  • Example terms:

    • Purchase Price: $250,000

    • Down Payment: $20,000

    • Monthly Payment: $1,500 (including principal & interest)

    • Term: 5 years, with a balloon payment due at the end

• Lease with Option to Purchase (Rent-to-Own Agreement)

  • A tenant leases the property with the right to purchase it later at a predetermined price.

  • Example terms:

    • Monthly Rent: $2,000

    • Option Fee: $10,000 (applied to purchase price)

    • Purchase Price: $300,000 (locked in for 2-3 years)

• Holding the Property for Future Use

  • You may decide to keep the property for appreciation, personal use, or future investment opportunities.

Marketed Options (Active Sales & Leasing Strategies)

• Traditional Sale (MLS Listing with a Realtor)

  • Marketed to buyers through real estate agents and MLS platforms.

  • Typically involves professional marketing, staging, and open houses.

• For Sale by Owner (FSBO)

  • Selling the property without an agent to avoid commission fees.

  • Requires self-management of pricing, negotiations, and paperwork.

• Auction Sale

  • Property is sold through a public or private auction.

  • Can be a reserve auction (seller sets a minimum price) or absolute auction (sold to the highest bidder).

• Wholesaling (Assigning a Contract to an Investor)

  • Finding a buyer for the property while under contract, then assigning the contract for a fee.

  • Often used by real estate investors.

• Short Sale (Selling for Less than the Mortgage Balance)

  • If the mortgage is underwater, the lender may agree to a sale below the owed amount to avoid foreclosure.

• Lease or Rental Agreement (Generating Income from the Property)

  • Leasing to tenants for long-term or short-term stays.

  • Example lease terms:

    • Rent: $2,500/month

    • Lease Term: 12 months

    • Security Deposit: $2,500

    • Utilities: Paid by tenant

    • Maintenance: Landlord handles major repairs

• Commercial Lease (For Business Tenants)

  • Leasing the property to a business under terms such as a NNN lease (tenant pays taxes, insurance, and maintenance) or gross lease (fixed rent with landlord covering expenses).

  • Example terms:

    • Rent: $15 per sq. ft. per year

    • Lease Term: 5 years

    • Rent Escalation: 3% annual increase

• Vacation Rental (Short-Term Rental on Airbnb or VRBO)

  • Generating income by renting the property for short stays.

  • Requires active management, marketing, and compliance with local regulations.

• Seller Leaseback (Selling and Leasing the Property Back)

  • Allows you to sell while retaining the right to stay as a tenant.

  • Common for downsizing homeowners or businesses needing capital but still requiring space.

Each of these options depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and desired level of involvement in managing the property. Let me know if you want to explore any option in more detail. As a trusted real estate professional, I consider it my obligation to always help people make the best decisions. You can contact me at the bottom of this page, I would love to hear from you.