Charitable Bargain Sale: FAQs

The mortgage or lien can and should be paid off prior to the bargain sale or with the sale proceeds received by the previous owner. This produces the best tax benefit to the donor/seller. If the charity assumes the lien or mortgage, then this is considered taxable income to the donor/seller.

When you enter into a bargain sale you receive an immediate infusion of cash from us. This may help bridge the gap between residence sale and purchase of a new residence, or other immediate needs for cash while a sale of your appreciated property is pending.

Yes, in fact, we may also choose to conduct an appraisal for our due diligence purposes, but part of a bargain sale is asking you to choose a qualified appraiser to evaluate the market value of your property. A qualified appraiser not only helps both of us determine your fair market value, but is required by the IRS when you file for a deduction from the bargain sale transaction.