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.
From straightforward residential property to complicated, distressed, or partial-interest gifts — we evaluate real estate that many charities simply pass on.
Primary residences, second homes, rentals, vacation homes, and vacant land.
Office, retail, industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use properties.
Undivided fractional interests in real property, including partial-interest gifts.
Properties other charities can't or won't accept — we'll take a look.
Accepted when the mortgage is more than 5 years old at the time of gift.
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:
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.
Contact Jeff to discuss the property, timing, any existing debt, and where you'd like the proceeds to go.
We review title, environmental considerations, existing debt, tenants or leases, and any other factors that affect the gift.
The IRS requires a qualified independent appraisal for real estate gifts valued over $5,000 — we'll help coordinate this.
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.
We market and sell the property.
Net proceeds are sent to your designated donor-advised fund, charity, or church, along with full documentation.
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.
If you own a property that's:
…let's talk. Our mission is to always try to get to yes.
Donating appreciated real estate directly to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity may allow you to:
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.
Yes, in many cases — though debt changes the tax analysis, since donating mortgaged property can trigger "bargain sale" rules that create some taxable gain. We review the debt and title status before intake and structure the gift so you know exactly what portion is deductible. We also regularly handle fractional interests (TIC), land with easement or boundary complications, and properties mid-contract with an existing buyer already lined up.
Gifts of appreciated real estate held longer than one year are generally deductible at fair market value, established by a qualified appraisal, up to 30% of your adjusted gross income (with a five-year carryforward for any excess). Because you're gifting the asset instead of selling it first, you also avoid the capital gains tax that would otherwise apply to a sale.
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.
