Author Topic: Depreciation and Refinancing  (Read 1435 times)

Brilliantine

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 171
  • Location: Redmond, WA
Depreciation and Refinancing
« on: August 18, 2015, 06:33:30 PM »
Hi,

I have a rental property which I originally purchased as my primary residence. It was first rented out starting January 2014 and I took advantage of some $3,800 in depreciation when I did my 2014 taxes.

Now I am considering refinancing the loan. Now, I have never refinanced a home loan so this may totally be a non-issue, but...

The current market value of the home will be much higher than the assessment (based on my previous purchase price, etc.)

I bought this home for $150k a few years ago and I think the current appraisal would come in at $180k or so.

What happens to the depreciation then? Do I owe it back to the IRS?

Thanks


Another Reader

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5327
Re: Depreciation and Refinancing
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2015, 06:38:26 PM »
Depreciation is recaptured when you sell the property.  A refinance does not trigger recapture.

You will pay a higher interest rate because the property is not owner-occupied than you would if you lived there.

PawPrint53

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 44
Re: Depreciation and Refinancing
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2015, 08:47:51 AM »
Our mortgage rate for a rental was about 1.5 points higher than a loan for a primary residence.

Bearded Man

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1137
Re: Depreciation and Refinancing
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2015, 09:27:21 AM »
You can buy down the interest rate, even on an investment property. I also believe you can deduct the points paid to buy it down, so you get a tax benefit as well.

When you factor in the cost of interest over the life of the loan, a change of .5% can save you tens of thousands, in exchange for spending a few thousand, which is deductible anyway...


Brilliantine

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 171
  • Location: Redmond, WA
Re: Depreciation and Refinancing
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2015, 10:43:26 AM »
Oh. Good point, Bearded Man.

Thanks for the input, everyone. The original loan was at 4% with 3% or 5% down so there is PMI. My primary motivation is to remove the PMI premiums. I believe I can get to less than 75% LTV especially if the appraisal cooperates.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!