The VA Funding Fee, Explained: First-Use vs. Subsequent-Use Rates, Exemptions, and the 2026 Deduction
The VA funding fee runs 2.15% on first use and 3.3% after — and the IRS lets 2026 itemizers deduct it as mortgage interest.
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Real Estate
Real estate accounting, property tracking, and investment management
Vacation Home Tax Rules, Explained: The 14-Day and 10% Tests That Decide Whether Your Second Home Is a Residence, a Rental, or Tax-Free
Personal use over 14 days or 10% of rental days makes your vacation home a residence under IRS rules — and caps rental deductions at rental income.
Co-Hosting vs. Rental Arbitrage: How to Run a Short-Term Rental Business Without Owning Property
Rental arbitrage keeps the spread but owes rent monthly; co-hosting earns 10-25% with no lease. Compare economics, contracts, permits, and IRS-proof books.
Down Payment Assistance, Explained: Grants, Forgivable Seconds, and Deferred Loans for First-Time Buyers
Over 2,600 US down payment assistance programs average about $18,000 per buyer — grants, forgivable seconds, and the recapture rules that claw money back.
GDS vs. ADS Depreciation: When Electing the Slower Schedule Is the Smart Move
ADS swaps faster GDS write-offs for longer straight-line lives and no bonus depreciation; the IRS requires it for electing real-estate businesses.
Joint Tenancy vs. Tenancy by the Entirety: How Married Business Owners Title Property for Survivorship and Creditor Protection
Tenancy by the entirety treats a married couple as one owner, shielding property from one spouse's creditors — but only in 25 states plus D.C.
Real Estate Crowdfunding, Explained: eREITs vs. Single-Deal Equity, Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Platforms, Fees, Multi-Year Lockups, and the K-1 Tax Paperwork
Crowdfunded real estate locks your money up for years and reports on IRS K-1s — compare eREITs vs. single deals on fees, access, and exits first.
Temporary Mortgage Rate Buydowns, Explained: How 2-1 and 1-0 Buydowns Cut Your Early Payments
A 2-1 buydown cuts your mortgage rate 2 points in year one and 1 point in year two via a seller-funded escrow — then the full payment returns.
Tenancy in Common: How to Co-Own Exchange Property Without Accidentally Creating a Partnership
TIC interests are deeded real estate, not partnership shares — so they can qualify for Section 1031 deferral if the co-ownership meets IRS ruling conditions.
CAM Charges, Explained: How Commercial Tenants Read the Annual Reconciliation, Audit Their Pro Rata Share, and Dispute Costs the Lease Doesn't Allow
Your CAM bill is your pro rata share of common-area costs — check the GLA denominator, enforce exclusions and caps, and object before the deadline.
Carried Interest, Explained: The 3-Year Holding Period Rule Behind How Fund Managers' Profit Shares Are Taxed
Section 1061 grants carried interest long-term rates only when assets are held over 3 years; otherwise the manager's profit share is taxed as ordinary income.
Real Estate Team Commission Splits, Explained: Who Gets What After the Brokerage Takes Its Cut
Real estate teams typically split post-brokerage commissions 50/50 — but referral fees, brokerage cuts, and overhead decide what the leader keeps.