Deed-level gifts

Turn appreciated property into lasting impact.

Real estate is often the most appreciated asset a giver owns — and one of the most powerful gifts they can make. We accept real estate gifts that many charities aren't equipped to handle, including complex, encumbered, or distressed properties, and forward the net proceeds directly to your donor-advised fund, favorite charity, or church.

If it has value, we'll take a look.

From straightforward residential property to complicated, distressed, or partial-interest gifts — we evaluate real estate that many charities simply pass on.

Residential real estate

Primary residences, second homes, rentals, vacation homes, and vacant land.

Commercial real estate

Office, retail, industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use properties.

Tenant-in-Common (TIC) interests

Undivided fractional interests in real property, including partial-interest gifts.

Troubled or distressed real estate

Properties other charities can't or won't accept — we'll take a look.

Real estate with existing mortgages

Accepted when the mortgage is more than 5 years old at the time of gift.

Deed-level gifts, done cleanly.

Real estate gifts to We Take IT for Charity Inc. are made at the deed level — title transfers directly to the charity via a properly executed and recorded deed. This structure provides:

  • A clean, IRS-defensible charitable contribution
  • Clear separation between the giver and the property post-transfer
  • Proper foundation for the donor's qualified appraisal and Form 8283

We handle the coordination with title companies, closing attorneys, and — where needed — a single-purpose LLC to isolate any property-specific liability.

A note on mortgaged property: we can accept real estate with an existing mortgage, but only when the mortgage is more than 5 years old at the time of the gift. This requirement exists because of the IRS's rules on debt-financed property — gifts of newer mortgaged property can create tax exposure for the charity and reduce the deduction for the giver. The 5-year rule keeps the gift clean for everyone.

If you're not sure how the rule applies to your situation, just reach out — we'll walk you through it.

Six steps, start to finish.

01

Initial conversation

Contact Jeff to discuss the property, timing, any existing debt, and where you'd like the proceeds to go.

02

Due diligence

We review title, environmental considerations, existing debt, tenants or leases, and any other factors that affect the gift.

03

Qualified appraisal

The IRS requires a qualified independent appraisal for real estate gifts valued over $5,000 — we'll help coordinate this.

04

Deed transfer

Title transfers to We Take IT for Charity Inc. (or a single-purpose LLC formed for the gift) at closing. You receive a contribution receipt.

05

Sale of the property

We market and sell the property.

06

Proceeds forwarded

Net proceeds are sent to your designated donor-advised fund, charity, or church, along with full documentation.

Our Ministry Grant

Rather than an administrative fee, gifts to We Take IT for Charity Inc. include a Ministry Grant — the portion of the realized proceeds retained by the charity to fund our mission and, in turn, further Kingdom work. Per our pledge, we give away at least 50% of every Ministry Grant we receive.

3–5%For real estate gifts, the Ministry Grant typically ranges from 3% to 5% of the realized proceeds, depending on transfer taxes, holding costs, closing expenses, and the complexity of the specific transaction. Because every real estate gift is different, the Ministry Grant is always discussed and confirmed in writing before the gift is accepted — so there are no surprises.

The remaining net proceeds go to the donor-advised fund, charity, or church you designate.

Most charities won't touch it. We will.

If you own a property that's:

  • Underwater or difficult to sell
  • Facing environmental issues
  • Tied up in a partnership or complex ownership structure
  • Producing negative cash flow
  • In a market where it just isn't moving

…let's talk. Our mission is to always try to get to yes.

More reaches the mission than selling first.

Donating appreciated real estate directly to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity may allow you to:

  • Avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated value
  • Eliminate ongoing carrying costs, property taxes, and management burden
  • Receive a charitable deduction based on the fair market value (per qualified appraisal)
  • Direct the proceeds to the causes you care about most
  • Make a substantially larger impact than selling the property first and donating after-tax proceeds

Tax treatment depends heavily on your individual circumstances, the property's basis, existing debt, and the structure of the gift. Please consult your tax advisor or CPA before proceeding.

Ready to talk through a property?

Real estate gifts are relationship-driven and time-sensitive — the sooner we can start the conversation, the smoother the process. Reach out to Jeff directly.