Real estate has always been a popular investment option, with many individuals and institutions allocating a portion of their portfolio to this asset class.
Real estate investing has numerous benefits, including potential capital appreciation, passive income, and diversification.
However, investing in real estate can be challenging for individuals who lack the resources or expertise to acquire and manage properties on their own.
Fortunately, there are alternative ways to invest in real estate, such as through a tenant-in-common (TIC) agreement.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of investing in real estate through a TIC agreement.
What is a TIC Agreement?
A tenant-in-common agreement is a form of joint ownership where multiple parties own a single property.
Each owner holds a separate, undivided interest in the property, and each has the right to use and possess the property.
TIC agreements are often used in commercial real estate investing, where multiple investors pool their resources to purchase larger, more expensive properties that they would not be able to afford on their own.
TIC agreements provide investors with a way to own a piece of real estate without the burden of managing the property themselves.
The TIC sponsor, often a professional real estate management company, takes care of the day-to-day operations, including leasing, maintenance, and repairs.
The sponsor also collects rent and distributes the income to the TIC investors based on their percentage of ownership.
Benefits of Investing in Real Estate through a TIC Agreement
1-Access to Larger Properties
One of the main advantages of investing in real estate through a TIC agreement is the ability to access larger, more expensive properties that may be out of reach for individual investors.
By pooling resources with other investors, TIC investors can purchase properties that they would not be able to afford on their own.
This allows investors to diversify their portfolio and potentially earn higher returns than they would with smaller properties.
2- Diversification
Investing in a single property can be risky, as it exposes investors to the fluctuations of a single market.
TIC agreements allow investors to diversify their real estate holdings by investing in multiple properties across different markets.
This can help to mitigate risk and provide a more stable return on investment.
3- Professional Management
Investing in real estate through a TIC agreement removes the burden of property management from the investor.
The TIC sponsor is responsible for managing the property, including leasing, maintenance, repairs, and tenant relations.
This allows investors to earn passive income from real estate without having to deal with the day-to-day operations of the property.
4- Access to Professional Expertise
TIC sponsors are often professional real estate management companies with extensive experience in the industry.
This provides TIC investors with access to the expertise of experienced professionals, including property managers, accountants, and attorneys.
The sponsor is responsible for ensuring that the property is well-maintained, leased, and operated in compliance with local regulations, which can be complex and time-consuming for individual investors.
5-Reduced Risk
Investing in real estate through a TIC agreement can help to reduce risk. The TIC sponsor is responsible for conducting due diligence on the property, including a thorough review of the property’s financials, legal history, and physical condition.
The sponsor is also responsible for securing financing for the property, which can be challenging for individual investors.
This reduces the risk for TIC investors and provides a more secure investment.
6- Potential for Higher Returns
Investing in larger, more expensive properties through a TIC agreement can potentially provide higher returns than investing in smaller properties.
This is because larger properties often have more rental income potential and can appreciate at a faster rate than smaller properties.
Additionally, the economies of scale achieved by pooling resources with other investors can lead to lower operating costs, which can increase net operating income and ultimately lead to higher returns for investors.
7- Tax Benefits
Real estate investing through a TIC agreement can provide tax benefits to investors. TIC investors are entitled to deduct their share of the property’s expenses and depreciation on their tax returns.
This can help to offset rental income and reduce the investor’s tax liability.
Additionally, TIC investors can take advantage of 1031 exchange rules, which allow them to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of a property by reinvesting the proceeds in a like-kind property.
8- Passive Income
Investing in real estate through a TIC agreement can provide investors with a passive stream of income.
The TIC sponsor is responsible for collecting rent and distributing income to investors based on their percentage of ownership.
This allows investors to earn income from real estate without having to actively manage the property.
9- Flexibility
TIC agreements provide investors with flexibility in terms of their investment strategy.
Investors can choose to invest in properties in different markets, with different risk profiles and investment horizons.
This allows investors to tailor their real estate portfolio to their individual investment goals and risk tolerance.
10- Exit Strategy
Investing in real estate through a TIC agreement provides investors with a clear exit strategy.
TIC agreements typically have a fixed term, ranging from 5 to 10 years, after which the property is sold, and investors receive their share of the proceeds.
This allows investors to plan their investment strategy and exit strategy accordingly, providing them with more certainty and control over their investment.
Potential Drawbacks of TIC Agreements
While there are many benefits to investing in real estate through a TIC agreement, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. These include:
Lack of Control
Investors in a TIC agreement have limited control over the property.
The TIC sponsor is responsible for managing the property and making all operational and financial decisions.
This can be a disadvantage for investors who prefer to have more control over their investments.
Limited Liquidity
Investing in a TIC agreement can be illiquid. TIC agreements typically have a fixed term, and investors may not be able to sell their shares before the end of the term.
Additionally, the market for TIC interests may be limited, making it challenging for investors to sell their shares if they need to liquidate their investment.
High Fees
Investing in a TIC agreement can be costly. TIC sponsors typically charge fees for managing the property, which can reduce the investor’s returns.
Thus, TIC agreements may involve higher transaction costs than investing in individual properties, which can further reduce returns.
Limited Investment Options
Investing in a TIC agreement limits investors’ investment options. Investors are limited to investing in the specific properties offered by the TIC sponsor, which may not align with their investment goals or risk tolerance.
Conclusion
Investing in real estate through a TIC agreement provides investors with access to larger properties, diversification, professional management, reduced risk, the potential for higher returns, tax benefits, passive income, flexibility, and a clear exit strategy.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider, including limited control, limited liquidity, high fees, and limited investment options.
As with any investment, it is essential to conduct due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before investing in a TIC agreement.