The federal Opportunity Zone program offers one of the most compelling tax incentives for real estate investors and individuals with capital gains. By reinvesting gains into a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF), you may defer—and potentially eliminate—federal capital gains taxes while investing in long-term real estate or business projects. Learn how the program works, what qualifies, and why now may be the right time to take advantage.
2025 Bonus Depreciation Is Fading Fast—Here’s What Real Estate Investors Need to Know
Bonus depreciation has been a powerful tool for reducing real estate tax liability, but it’s phasing out—with only 40% allowed in 2025 and 0% by 2027 unless Congress acts. Learn how investors in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Orange County can still use bonus depreciation for property improvements and short-lived assets—before it’s too late. Timing is everything.
Can I Sell My House to My Child Below Fair Market Value?
Yes — and in fact, many families are doing exactly that using a strategy called a gift of equity. This powerful estate planning tool allows parents to sell a home to a child at a discounted price, gifting the difference — often with no immediate tax consequences. But there are critical rules to follow regarding IRS gift limits, capital gains, property tax reassessment under Prop 19, and proper loan structuring if financing is involved.
Whether you’re in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or anywhere in coastal Orange County, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — including real-world examples, IRS rules, and expert insights from Lucas Real Estate.
Explore a potential Prop 19 loophole using LLCs to preserve low property tax assessments in California. This detailed guide from Newport Beach-based Lucas Real Estate Group explains the Prop 19 workaround, risks of reassessment, and key legal strategies—including how to avoid triggering reassessment through careful entity structuring. Essential reading for families navigating generational real estate planning in high-value areas.
Navigating divorce is difficult enough—don’t let California Proposition 19 add to the confusion. Learn how property tax base transfers work under Prop 19 when divorcing spouses own a shared residence. Only one spouse can claim the tax benefit, but the claim form doesn’t ask about divorce—making it essential to plan ahead and document who gets to use it. Lucas Real Estate Group breaks down the rules, risks, and best practices to help you protect your financial future.
Think you can do a 1031 exchange with an LLC interest? Not so fast.
Many investors are surprised to learn that LLC membership interests are excluded from 1031 exchange eligibility under IRS rules. But with proper planning—like “drop and swap” strategies and other structuring techniques—you may still be able to defer taxes. In this article, we break down the risks, workarounds, and best practices for LLC-held real estate in high-value markets like Newport Beach.
Explore how installment sales—also known as seller financing or carryback notes—can offer powerful tax deferral strategies and negotiation leverage in today’s luxury and investment real estate market. From federal and California tax rules to practical pros and cons, this guide breaks down what every Newport Beach and Orange County property owner should know about using installment sales to close more complex transactions with confidence.
Structured Installment Sales offer real estate sellers a niche tax-deferral strategy with long-term income potential. Learn how this IRS-approved method, backed by IRC § 453, works — and how Lucas Real Estate Group helps Newport Beach and Costa Mesa clients implement it seamlessly.
If you own rental property in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or coastal Orange County—or if you’re a high-income earner looking for strategic tax savings—qualifying as a Real Estate Professional under IRS rules could unlock major benefits. From deducting real estate losses against your W-2 income to avoiding the 3.8% Medicare tax on rental profits, REP status can significantly reduce your tax liability. But strict documentation and time-based tests apply, and California doesn’t follow the same rules. Learn what qualifies, what doesn’t, and how to stay compliant in this essential guide.
Can you complete a 1031 exchange if you only own a limited partnership interest in real estate? Not directly—but strategic solutions like the “drop and swap” may provide a path forward. In this article, we explore the legal and tax complexities of navigating 1031 exchanges from within a partnership, with a focus on opportunities in high-value markets like Newport Beach.
Lucas Real Estate
2901 West Coast Highway Suite 200 | Newport Beach | California | 92663-4023
info@lucas-real-estate.com | 949.478.1623 office
Devin Lucas BRE No. 01912302 | Courtney Lucas BRE No. 02015514
Lucas Real Estate, a dynamic full-service residential real estate team led by Devin Lucas, REALTOR®, Real Estate Broker, and Real Estate Attorney, and Courtney Lucas, REALTOR® and CPA, offers unparalleled expertise in Newport Beach and surrounding areas.
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