Match with an investor-friendly financial professional

You can find financial advisors and financial planners, all with experience in real estate finance.

Financial advisors provide specialized or short-term financial advice in areas like investments, insurance products, retirement planning, estate planning, and more.

Financial planners provide comprehensive, short- to long-term guidance toward specific financial goals, like buying a home or funding a child’s education. Some are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professionals — meaning they’re held to the highest educational, professional, and ethical standards.

It depends on your circumstances and the skill set of your team. Start with your core need first, but generally speaking — yes! Building a well-rounded team of investor-friendly tax AND financial professionals ensures a holistic approach that covers both short-term upkeep and long-term planning.

A financial advisor offers advice on specific aspects of financial management, while a financial planner takes a holistic approach to create a comprehensive, long-term financial plan.

A Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional is someone who’s met the rigorous coursework, exam, and work experience requirements outlined by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. CFP® pros have a fiduciary responsibility to act in their clients’ best interests at all times.

A designation is a voluntary title indicating expertise offered and approved by a professional organization, while a license is a mandatory government authorization for specific professional activities.

Fees structures can vary and depend on profession, level of expertise, complexity of services, and the specific arrangement you agree upon. Always discuss fees in detail before engaging a professional’s services, and get a clear breakdown of their fees and any additional costs. Consider the overall value of the services provided and how they align with your real estate and financial goals.

Here's a general breakdown of common fee structures for financial advisors and planners:

• Assets Under Management (AUM)-based: Many financial advisors charge a percentage of the assets they manage on behalf of the client. This fee structure aligns the advisor's compensation with the client's investment performance. Consider the cost for percentage-based fees at varying tiers of portfolio performance to understand the full range of possibilities.
• Commission-Based: Some financial advisors may earn commissions from financial products they recommend or sell.
• Hourly Rates
• Flat Fees
• Retainer Fees

Consider asking questions like:

• How do you tailor financial plans to align with the unique goals and challenges of real estate investors?
• What’s your approach to optimizing an investor’s real estate portfolio within the context of their overall financial strategy?
• How do you help investors manage risks associated with real estate investments, while maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio?
• How will you keep me informed about market changes, opportunities, and milestones throughout my financial journey?