Step-Up in Basis Tax Strategy: How Inheriting Property Saved $48K
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
Client Profile:
- Name: Crystal
- Age: 31
- Occupation: Digital marketing specialist
- Goal: Buy a first home that could also become a rental
- Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC
The Situation
Crystal was eager to buy her first property — but overwhelmed. Every day, new listings popped up that were “cute,” “cozy,” “charming,” or just barely within her price range. She’d been casually browsing for 6 months, unable to pull the trigger.
When we asked what her Buy Box was, she said, “Honestly? I don’t really have one.”
The Strategy
We gave Crystal the Buy Box Builder Worksheet and walked her through a coaching call to define her criteria based on:
- Price
- Cash flow potential
- Neighborhood quality
- Future rental desirability
- Renovation tolerance
Her new Buy Box looked like this:
- Price: $250K–$285K
- Property: 3-bed, 2-bath single-family
- Location: Within 20 minutes of city center
- Must: Garage + potential to add a 4th bedroom
- Deal-breakers: No HOAs, no shared driveways
She filtered out everything else.
The Results
In just 10 days, three properties matched her Buy Box. She toured two and made an offer on one.
- Purchase Price: $265,000
- Down Payment: 5%
- Mortgage Payment: ~$1,765
- Future Rent Estimate: $2,050/month
- Equity at Purchase: ~$9,000 (negotiated under market)
Crystal now has a property that fits her current life and her long-term wealth goals.
What Crystal Said
“I thought looking at everything gave me more options. But having a Buy Box gave me more clarity. I saw a match and moved fast — no more overthinking.”
Takeaway for Readers
When you know what you’re looking for, decision-making becomes simple. A clear Buy Box is the antidote to analysis paralysis — and the key to securing the right deal, fast.
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