A professional real estate marketing graphic featuring a high-end home in the background with the centered text: “Can I Sell My House To My Child Below Fair Market Value? / Can I Do A Gift Of Equity?” The Lucas Real Estate Group logo is displayed prominently and untouched, maintaining a transparent background. The overall design is clean, elegant, and suitable for upscale branding on social media and websites.

Can I Sell My House To My Child (Or Anyone) Below Fair Market Value? / Can I Do A Gift Of Equity?

  • May 25, 2025
  • devinlucas

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.

photo of couple with real estate agent at a kitchen table reviewing documents

The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist: Newport-Mesa Edition

  • April 16, 2025
  • devinlucas

Thinking of selling your home in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa?
From pricing and preparation to marketing and negotiation, our Ultimate Home Seller Checklist walks you through every step of the process—backed by the local expertise of Lucas Real Estate Group. Whether you’re handling a trust sale, family transfer, or traditional listing, we help you maximize value while minimizing stress.

paperwork with person completing by hand

When Are Sellers Exempt From Certain Disclosures in California Real Estate?

  • November 19, 2024
  • devinlucas

California law requires real estate sellers to disclose known material facts about their property, even when certain exemptions apply. While some sellers—like trustees, fiduciaries, or those involved in court-ordered sales—may be exempt from completing forms such as the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), they are still obligated to disclose any defects that could impact the property’s value. Learn how exemptions work, when they apply, and why tools like the Exempt Seller Disclosure Form are essential for compliance. For trustees, explore our detailed guide to their specific disclosure requirements. Whether you’re selling in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or other coastal Orange County communities, Lucas Real Estate ensures your transaction is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

construction buleprints

Hiring a Contractor? – A Few Tips to Consider

  • October 11, 2015
  • devinlucas

Remodeling your Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange County or other California property? – Hiring a contractor is a significant decision, with quality and pricing varying dramatically, especially on any larger scale project.  Check out this info graphic from the California Contractors State License Board and the California Association of REALTORS® for some good tips. -Devin … Continue Reading

A real estate contract

Option Agreements in California Real Property Transactions

  • September 10, 2015
  • devinlucas

Most commonly, an “Option Agreement” is a rent-to-own situation, more frequent in a landlord-tenant context. Typically (though 100 percent negotiable), an Option Agreement works like this: The Property Owner (called the “Optionor”) agrees to sell a home and/or parcel of land (the “Real Property”) to the Buyer (called the “Optionee”) at a later date, for … Continue Reading

Top 10 Home Projects to Recoup Costs at Resale

  • April 21, 2015
  • devinlucas

Even owners of the finest Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Orange County properties will always have a list of desired improvements to their homes. The top 10 home projects to recoup costs at resale according to Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of REALTORS® Cost vs Value Report include: Entry door replacement; Manufactured stone veneer; … Continue Reading

Smart Home Technology

  • February 24, 2015
  • devinlucas

Attention Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Orange County Home Sellers and Buyers, Smart Home Technology is in! Consumers of all generations value smart technology features in both their current homes and future homes. According to a recent ERA/HGTV survey, nearly half (46 percent) of consumers believe it is important that their current home or next … Continue Reading