FAQ | Real Estate Donation Program

Frequently Asked Donor Questions

How do I check the status of my donation or get answers to other questions?

Once we receive your initial donation information, you will be assigned a donation specialist who will assist you throughout the process. You will also work directly with a real estate specialist who can assist with your specific property situation and keep you informed about the progress.

If you have any questions, you can contact our support team directly at 844-277-HOME (4663) Monday–Friday during regular business hours.

What type of real estate can I donate?

We will consider any type of property that has positive equity, a clear title, and no environmental issues. Common property types that are donated are land, estates, second homes, rental properties, and commercial real estate. Please note: Timeshares and mobile homes cannot be accepted.

Is it easy to donate real estate through Giving Property?

Yes! Real estate donations are quickly vetted and converted to cash to support your nonprofit through a national real estate auction platform and a title company partnership. We make the entire process as streamlined and convenient as possible.

What do I need in order to donate?

In order to donate property, we must have written consent from any and all property owners. Your letter of intent will outline the donation terms. The title report will show the related ownership information.

Can I donate real estate with a mortgage balance?

Yes. Prior to the auction, Giving Property will determine if the likely value exceeds the mortgage balance. The proceeds from the auction sale are then used to pay off any mortgage balance. Please note: In cases where an asset doesn’t have enough equity to result in a surplus, we will not be able to accept it.

How will the tax deduction be determined?

All real estate donation tax deductions are based on the full appraised value, not the sale price. In most cases, donors may deduct the difference between the cash received and the fair market value based on an appraisal specifically completed to assess the value based on IRS guidelines. Donors may not deduct proceeds that were applied to pay off mortgages or back real estate taxes. The deduction can be carried forward up to five years following the year of sale.

*please consult your tax advisor as individual situations vary

How long does it take to complete a real estate donation?

Most property donations will be completed within 45 days. Our goal is to maximize the value of the property.

Who pays commissions and/or closing costs?

Donors do not have to pay any commissions. If the property is currently listed with a broker, Giving Property will pay the commission owed based on either the list price or the tax assessor value if there is no list price. All unpaid liens will be paid off at closing. The donor is generally not asked to pay anything out of pocket, and there are no closing costs to the donor. Prepaid property taxes and assessments will be remitted back to the donor at closing.

What if a property has environmental issues?

Giving Property does have the ability to process properties with environmental issues; however, only high-value assets would be considered due to the risk and complexity. We have investors specializing in environmental cleanup and often issue indemnities to sellers via complex insurance placements.

Who operates Giving Property?

CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operates the Giving Property real estate donation program. To learn more, visit our About Us  page.