Skip to main content
Aditya Kasturi | Realogics Sotheby's International Realty

Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide

Real estate has more tax levers than most high earners use. Here's the map - then take it to your CPA.

Seattle skyline with Mount Rainier in evening light.

Tax and Wealth

Direct answer

Between your home and any investment property, real estate carries deductions high earners underuse. This maps what exists (rules and limits apply - your CPA confirms).

Work through the decision in order

Primary residence

mortgage interest (within limits) and property taxes (SALT-capped); certain points/improvements affecting basis.

Investment property (the leverage)

depreciation; cost seg + bonus depreciation (M94); operating expenses, repairs, management, interest; 1031 (M95).

High-W2 angle

STR material participation may allow losses to offset W-2 income (fact-specific - M96).

Your next move

Use the framework before the property creates urgency.

Bring the actual address, timing, financing assumptions, and open questions into a buyer strategy call before urgency takes over.

Decision guide · private in this browser

Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide

Work through the decision without a form. Your selections stay in this browser. Bring the live facts into a buyer strategy call when you are ready.

Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide decisions

Primary residence

Investment property (the leverage)

High-W2 angle

Questions about Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide

Clear answers first. If one question changes the deal, bring it into the review before you move money.

Q1What does the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide help me decide?+

The biggest under-used levers for a high-W2 Washington household are on the investment side - depreciation, cost seg, and the STR offset. Primary-home deductions are capped.

Q2Does the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide apply in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle?+

Yes. The decision framework is shared across all three markets. Address-specific pricing, rules, schools, taxes, insurance, and property facts still need live verification.

Q3What information should I gather before using the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide?+

Start with the live address, your timing, available cash, financing assumptions, and any property documents tied to the decision. Use only the inputs that apply to your situation.

Q4How current is the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide?+

This guide was reviewed on July 31, 2026. Confirm live rates, rules, availability, costs, and property facts before you act.

Q5Is the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide a substitute for professional advice?+

No. It is educational planning material, not a loan approval, inspection conclusion, appraisal, legal opinion, or tax conclusion.

Q6When should I bring the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide result into a Real Estate Review?+

Bring it in when the result changes what you would buy, sell, repair, finance, or postpone. The review can pressure-test the live property and household plan.

Q7Can I use the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide before speaking with a lender or inspector?+

Yes. Use it to organize questions first, then verify financing with a lender and condition findings with the appropriate property professionals.

Q8What is the next step after using the Real Estate Tax Deductions Guide?+

Mark the points that affect your decision, collect the missing facts, and book a Real Estate Review if you want to apply the framework to a specific property or move.

Make the next property decision with the facts in front of you.

Bring the address, timing, financing plan, and open questions. We will identify what to verify before you tour or write an offer.

Book a Buyer Strategy Call
Last updated: September 2, 2026

First Look Friday

Get the weekly Eastside buyer update.

Join the coming-soon list for aggregate First Look activity across King and Snohomish counties. No protected listing details and no guaranteed matches.

Next steps

Keep moving forward