A self-directed IRA can hold real estate, but strict IRS rules — no personal use, arm's-length transactions, and a custodian — govern every step.
How IRA-owned real estate works
Holding real estate inside a self-directed IRA can be tax-advantaged, but the IRS rules are strict: the property is for investment only, and any personal benefit can disqualify the account.
The IRA, through a custodian, holds title and funds the purchase; all income and expenses run through the IRA, not your personal accounts. You cannot personally use the property or transact with disqualified persons. Financing inside an IRA must be non-recourse, and UBIT may apply on leveraged income.
- The IRA, via a custodian, owns the property
- No personal use or dealings with disqualified persons
- Income and expenses flow through the IRA
- Any financing must be non-recourse; UBIT may apply
Timeline and custodian coordination
Because the custodian funds and titles the purchase, coordinating their process into the escrow timeline is essential.
Brian maps the timeline and contingencies before you write or accept an offer, so there are no surprises at the deadline. For context, Simi Valley's median runs near $850K and Valencia/Santa Clarita around $925K, with 30-year fixed rates roughly in the 6.5–7.0% range as of mid-2026 — confirm current figures with your lender, since they move week to week.
How Brian handles this transaction
Brian sources suitable investment property and coordinates the transaction with your custodian, while your CPA confirms the prohibited-transaction and tax rules.
His job is to make your profile read as a strength to the other side while keeping you protected through inspections, title, and disclosure review.
Strict IRS rules apply
Self-directed IRA real estate has severe penalties for missteps. Work closely with a qualified custodian and CPA. This page is general real estate education, not financial, tax, mortgage, or legal advice. Loan programs, rates, and tax rules change and vary by individual circumstance — confirm specifics with a licensed lender, CPA, or attorney before acting.
Where money, taxes, or entity rules are involved, Brian coordinates with your lender, CPA, or attorney rather than guessing. This page is general real estate education, not financial, tax, mortgage, or legal advice. Loan programs, rates, and tax rules change and vary by individual circumstance — confirm specifics with a licensed lender, CPA, or attorney before acting.
What makes the offer or sale competitive
In Simi Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley, the strongest position blends realistic pricing with clean terms and a timeline the other side can trust. A self-directed IRA can own investment real estate, with the property held by a custodian and all income and expenses flowing through the IRA.
Brian builds the package — price, deposit, contingencies, and close date — so your situation is an advantage, not a question mark.
Fair, equal service
Brian Cooper serves every qualified buyer and seller equally, in full compliance with the Fair Housing Act and California fair housing law. The guidance here is about transaction mechanics, never about who belongs in a neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my IRA buy real estate?
Yes, a self-directed IRA can own investment real estate through a custodian. Strict IRS rules bar personal use and dealings with disqualified persons.
Can I live in or use the property?
No. Personal use generally creates a prohibited transaction that can disqualify the IRA. The property must be purely an investment.
How does financing work inside an IRA?
Any loan must typically be non-recourse, and leveraged income can trigger UBIT. Your custodian and CPA confirm the specifics.
Who holds title?
The IRA, through its custodian, holds title and funds the purchase. Brian coordinates the transaction with the custodian's process.
Is this financial or tax advice?
No. This is general real estate education about how the transaction works. Loan terms, rates, and tax outcomes depend on your situation — confirm everything with a licensed lender, CPA, or attorney before you act.
Do you work with both buyers and sellers in this situation?
Yes. Brian represents buyers and sellers across Simi Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and the surrounding Ventura and Conejo Valley markets, and tailors strategy to the specific transaction profile rather than a one-size template.
