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MenuHow should I structure my real estate partnership?
I am a successful real estate agent and I am developing a partnership with another very successful real estate agent. In addition to residential, he has equity in a property management company and a development business. I would like some guidance and insight into various ways in which we can structure our relationship (equity, profit share, referral, splits, etc). I need help from someone who versed in either real estate partnerships or business partnerships. Thanks.
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I've been a commercial real estate broker for 5 years now and have ventured into a handful of business partnerships - some have worked and some have nearly ruined me. What I find, on a surface level, is that you must absolutely share the same VALUES and MISSION as your potential partner. Having even stake in the game also helps, as it avoids one partner eventually grabbing "the upper hand". If you are not bringing cash or equity to the table, be prepared to demonstrate how your hard work can be translated into $ value. If you have more detailed scenarios or questions, feel free to bounce them off me at anytime. Cheers! -S.
Hello, these are very situation specific questions so I'll try to be as specific but general as well so as to not misguide you.
For a partnership, I have structured both an S corp and LLCs in regards to real estate ventures. An llc should always be your default route, particularly if there will be multiple projects where a multitude of third parties will be in conjucture for each project.
This allows you (your LLC entity) to engage in the ongoing venture with your partner through another LLC (partners) that allows you to conduct business with their LLCs and receive bonuses rather than equity or straight pay...this is better tax option for you since you know realtors are taxed high through their 1099s *talk to your accountant to set that up*
LLCs engaging with other LLCs for a project is great specially if there are other "partnerships" incolved as well. Is not just about how to get paid but avoid being taxed if possible and have the added protection.
As an active real estate investor, forming a real estate partnership and buying property together can be a great way to scale up your own portfolio and take your real estate business to the next level. You’ll be able to raise more investment capital and do bigger and better deals while helping others profit from your experience.
You can read more here: https://learn.roofstock.com/blog/real-estate-partnership
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath
Structuring a real estate partnership involves careful consideration of various factors, including the nature of the investment, the roles and responsibilities of each partner, tax implications, liability protection, and exit strategies. Here are steps you can take to effectively structure your real estate partnership:
1. **Define Partnership Objectives:** Clearly define the goals and objectives of the partnership, including the types of real estate investments you intend to pursue, the expected returns, and the timeframe for achieving your goals. Align on investment strategies, risk tolerance, and exit plans.
2. **Select the Right Partners:** Choose partners who bring complementary skills, expertise, resources, and networks to the table. Consider factors such as financial capacity, industry experience, track record, and personal compatibility. Ensure that all partners share a common vision and are committed to the success of the partnership.
3. **Choose the Legal Structure:** Decide on the most appropriate legal structure for your real estate partnership based on factors such as liability protection, tax considerations, and management flexibility. Common structures include:
- **General Partnership (GP):** All partners have equal rights and responsibilities, and each partner is personally liable for partnership debts and obligations.
- **Limited Partnership (LP):** Consists of general partners who manage the business and limited partners who contribute capital but have limited liability. Limited partners are typically passive investors and have no management authority.
- **Limited Liability Company (LLC):** Combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits and management flexibility of a partnership. Members (owners) have limited liability, and management can be structured as member-managed or manager-managed.
- **Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT):** A publicly traded company that owns, operates, or finances income-generating real estate. REITs offer tax advantages but are subject to specific regulatory requirements.
4. **Draft a Partnership Agreement:** Create a comprehensive partnership agreement that outlines the rights, obligations, roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes of each partner. Include provisions for profit sharing, capital contributions, distributions, dispute resolution, management structure, and exit strategies. Consult with legal and tax advisors to ensure the agreement is legally sound and reflects the interests of all partners.
5. **Establish Funding and Capital Contributions:** Determine the initial funding requirements and capital contributions from each partner. Clearly outline the terms of capital investment, including the timing, amount, and method of contribution. Consider how future capital needs will be addressed and whether additional financing options, such as bank loans or equity financing, will be pursued.
6. **Define Management Structure:** Specify the management structure of the partnership, including decision-making authority, voting rights, and responsibilities for day-to-day operations. Determine whether management will be centralized or delegated to specific partners or professional managers. Establish communication protocols and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
7. **Implement Risk Management Strategies:** Mitigate risks associated with real estate investments by implementing appropriate risk management strategies. This may include conducting thorough due diligence on potential properties, obtaining insurance coverage, diversifying the portfolio, and maintaining adequate reserves for unexpected expenses or market fluctuations.
8. **Plan for Exit:** Anticipate potential exit scenarios and develop contingency plans for exiting the partnership. Consider options such as selling the property portfolio, liquidating assets, refinancing debt, or transferring ownership interests. Include provisions in the partnership agreement that address how exits will be handled, including buyout mechanisms, valuation methods, and dispute resolution processes.
By carefully structuring your real estate partnership and addressing key considerations upfront, you can minimize risks, maximize returns, and establish a solid foundation for long-term success and collaboration. It's essential to consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors to ensure that your partnership structure aligns with your goals and complies with applicable laws and regulations.
Related Questions
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What are my risks in entering a partnership with 50% voting shares, but only 25% equity overall? How can I protect my interests in this scenario?
The first matter for you to conclude is to agree the terms of a shareholder agreement between the two founders. This shareholders agreement should govern the management of all significant governance matters. Without this you will subject to the constitution documents of the company and local company company law. This is a standard type of agreement that any decent corporate lawyer will be able to advise you on. As the voting shares are held equally, then no major changes will be able to be made without both founders agreeing to the changes. The non-voting shares (assuming all other terms are the same) will have equal rights to financial returns (dividends and liquidation rights), but will not be able to participate in voting issues. In simple terms, you will have an equal say in the running of the company with your co-founder, but will receive 25% of the returns, while they receive 75%.NH
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If a new partner is going to buy into our business, should he give us the money as shareholders or should he invest the money into the business?
Yes, it depends on what the goal is. If the company needs the money to grow, for example, then the company would issue new shares and the money would go into the company. Your ownership would be diluted but you'd own a smaller piece of a more valuable company. You also need to consider what the investor thinks is going on. Does he believe that he's 'buying in' to your company so you can 'cash out' in part. Or does he believe he's helping to fuel growth? Watch this video I made on this topic a few months ago.. https://youtu.be/1EjKjSAd1F8 If you'd like to discuss your specific situation, just arrange a call. Thanks David C BarnettDC
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How do I setup a strategic partnership agreement without having to do a rev/profit share deal?
If you are really investing in a strategic partner (one that will provide mutual benefit in the end, either in terms of revenues, access to financing or other resources) then revenue sharing isn't absolutely necessary. In the partnerships I help to form, they are often around shared value (http://www.fsg.org/OurApproach/WhatisSharedValue.aspx) which means shared revenue isn't the absolute aim. What is the aim, however, is sharing information, knowledge, technical assistance, operational help, etc) and build a lasting framework for engagement together into the future that will benefit both parties. I am happy to help you negotiate these types of partnerships (it's what I do!) so feel free to get in touch.JS
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What are the best books or resources to learn about real estate development from scratch?
This should help you out: 1. Property Development for Beginners: A Beginners Guide to Property Development by Steve Chandler http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1482580551/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1482580551&linkCode=as2&tag=pittspropedea-20">Property Development for Beginners: A Beginners Guide to Property Development</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=pittspropedea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1482580551 2. Real Estate Development: Principles and Process by Mike E. Miles http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0874209714/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0874209714&linkCode=as2&tag=pittspropedea-20">Real Estate Development: Principles and Process</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=pittspropedea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0874209714 3. http://www.masterycoachingterence.com/TY
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I need partners to help my company launch. How many shares and/or how much profit do I offer to get them?
There are several factors to consider: 1. Profit share does not have to equal equity. As an example, two people can agree to split net profits 50/50 even though the percentage of equity is split 60/40. Just get it in writing. So find out their expectations for long term income and equity. Are they expecting a share of net profits or just the ability to recoup their investment when you sell the business? 2. What value do they bring to your business? Are they funding? Are they bringing significant contacts or the ability to secure contracts? Are they helping with infrastructure or product development? What would you pay someone in salary with no equity to do the same exact thing? 3. Are the short term or long term? In other words, once they help you launch, do they continue to have value in building the company? Or, are they no longer needed? There is no right answer to how you compensate them for helping you get started. But, try to look at all the value variables. Maybe that will help you identify what they are ultimately worth and what a fair, win-win offer would be. It sounds like they are very reasonable and you have a good opportunity to get their help for a reasonable compensation package. Good luck. If you would like to talk more about this at no charge, I offer a one time free call to new callers. Just use this link to schedule a call. https://clarity.fm/kevinmccarthy/FreeConsultKM
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