Interest Rate Swaps Explained: Definition, Types, and Examples

Many interest rates in the market are variable and tied to financial benchmarks, making them subject to frequent fluctuations. These changes can significantly affect a company’s or investor’s cash flow or borrowing costs. As such, many institutions use interest rate swaps—financial contracts between two parties to exchange interest payments over a specified period. These tools are commonly used to match financing streams with an entity’s risk preferences or expectations about interest rate movements.
Tenancy in Severalty: Definition, How It Works, and Examples

Owning real estate is not as straightforward as most might assume. There are different ways to “own” a property, and knowing the nuances is essential for investors, estate planners, and anyone looking to protect their assets. Most people are familiar with a tenancy in common or joint tenancies, however, there is one tenancy less discussed: a tenancy in severalty.
What Is a Section 721(c) Partnership?

Among the various tax-deferral strategies available to investors today, Section 721 of the Revenue Code remains a powerful tool. This provision allows asset owners to defer capital gains taxes by contributing appreciated real estate to a partnership or real estate investment trust (REIT). In exchange, the investor gains partnership interests. The introduction of foreign investors into these structures led to new compliance concerns, prompting the addition of Section 721(c) to address gain deferral in cross-border transactions. What does this new provision entail? Who is affected? Realized 1031 has shared a straightforward guide to answer these questions.
5 Key Questions to Ask Clients with Real Estate Holdings

For investment property owners, real estate often represents a substantial part of their wealth, and potentially, their legacy. As financial goals evolve and markets shift, advisors working with these clients should be equipped to ask the right questions. Whether the objective is growth, income, or tax efficiency, understanding a client’s real estate strategy begins with a thoughtful conversation.
Step-up in Basis: What It Is and How It Works for Inherited Assets

When a loved one passes away and their heirs inherit certain assets, they may receive a step-up in basis when transferred. When a person receives real estate, stocks, or other types of investment, the step-up in basis resets the asset’s fair market value to the date of the original owner’s death. Thanks to this tax rule, beneficiaries may reduce or even eliminate capital gains taxes that would otherwise be realized if the asset were sold.