You’ve worked hard to build your portfolio—and now it’s time to reap the rewards. But if you’re facing a tax bill of 30–40% or more, you’re not alone. The decision to sell appreciated property often feels like a choice between freeing yourself from the hassle and losing a massive portion of your wealth to taxes.
At Sterling Capital Gains Solutions, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose.
We Help Property Owners Turn Appreciated Real Estate into Enduring Wealth
For owners of income-producing real estate, the combination of long-term appreciation and depreciation deductions often means enormous taxable gains upon sale.
We help you avoid that pain. Using advanced tax planning tools—including Real Estate Shelter Trusts and other strategies—we help you:
- Avoid capital gains tax on the sale of appreciated property
- Eliminate depreciation recapture tax
- Diversify into a liquid investment portfolio
- Receive flexible, lifetime income for yourself and future generations
- Grow your wealth tax-deferred
- Gain peace of mind knowing your legacy is secure
- Reduce Estate Taxes if you face a taxable estate
Real Results: Case Study - Bob Owned a 12-Unit Apartment Building in California—and Faced a Huge Tax Bill to Get Out
Bob, a 79-year-old widower, had managed his San Diego apartment building for decades. It was worth $4 million, with just $180,000 in basis. After battling illness and growing tired of tenant headaches and California’s rent moratorium policies, Bob was ready to sell—but the thought of handing over a huge chunk to taxes kept him stuck.
I didn't want the risk, the work, or the taxes anymore. I just wanted to enjoy my family and have peace of mind. – Bob
Sterling made sure he could. Working with Sterling, Bob…
- Created a Master LLC and contributed the property to it
- Established three tax-exempt Real Estate Shelter Trusts—one for each of his children
- Funded each trust equally with a third of the LLC
- Sold the apartment building from within the LLC—with no capital gains tax due
- Reinvested proceeds into a diversified portfolio
- Now receives up to 5% income annually, mostly long-term capital gains and qualified dividends
- Can defer income he doesn’t need, allowing it to grow tax-deferred inside the trust
- Secured income for his children—and eventually his grandchildren—for up to 17 years beyond his life
- Received an immediate $400,000 income tax deduction
- Maintains flexibility and liquidity, even with assets held in irrevocable trusts
With his apartment building sold and his future secure, Bob gained more than a tax advantage—he gained freedom.
Schedule a Real Estate Exit Strategy Call
Don't let taxes, tenant stress, or timing mistakes diminish the value of what you’ve built. Contact us today to explore your personalized real estate transition plan—before the market or the IRS makes the decision for you.