Real estate

Real estate gifts may include:

  • Personal residences

  • Vacation homes

  • Farms

  • Commercial property

  • Undeveloped land

These gifts can be made during a donor’s lifetime or through estate planning.

During-lifetime gifts

Options include:

  • Outright transfer of property ownership

  • Retained life estate (the donor continues living in the home)

After-lifetime gifts

Donors may leave real estate through a will, trust, or Transfer-on-Death deed where permitted by state law.

Pro tip

Real estate gifts require careful evaluation and due diligence. Nonprofits should review each opportunity carefully in accordance with their Gift Acceptance Policy. Also, keep in mind that you can partner with an intermediary, such as a community foundation or other partner, to support your organization’s receipt of real estate property or the proceeds from its sale.

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