Reason 9/10: Building Generational Wealth

Joshua Waldron • June 23, 2025

Share this article

Why Real Estate Investing is a Smart Choice for Building Wealth

Real estate investing has long been heralded as one of the most reliable paths to financial freedom. From providing steady cash flow to creating long-term wealth, real estate offers a unique combination of stability and opportunity that few other investments can match. Although there may be a lot more than 10 good reasons to invest in real estate, we have narrowed it down to what we think are the most important. Over the next few weeks, we will release a series of 10 blog posts explaining the importance of adding real estate to your wealth portfolio. Read below for reason Nine. 

Introduction

One of the most powerful aspects of real estate investing is its ability to create generational wealth. While many investments may benefit the individual investor, real estate has a unique, lasting potential to support your children, grandchildren, and beyond.

Why Rexal Estate Is Built for Legacy

Unlike paper assets or consumer goods that depreciate, real estate tends to increase in value over time while simultaneously providing ongoing utility. A well-maintained property not only appreciates but also generates income, offering your heirs both a valuable asset and a source of cash flow. This dual benefit is rare—and it’s one reason why real estate remains a cornerstone of generational wealth strategy (Sharkey, 2013).


According to the Urban Institute, nearly 30% of wealth in the U.S. is inherited, and real estate is one of the most commonly transferred assets (Urban Institute, 2019). That means property isn't just a good investment—it's a powerful intergenerational gift.

More Than Money: Stability and Opportunity

When families own real estate, they gain more than an asset. They gain stability, access to better schools, community ties, and the ability to plan for the future. These factors compound over time, creating an upward trajectory that helps future generations build upon the foundation you've laid (Desmond, 2016).



For communities of color and historically underserved groups, real estate ownership can also help close the racial wealth gap—something policymakers and investors alike are increasingly recognizing as critical (Killewald & Bryan, 2018).

The Role of Estate Planning

Passing on property isn’t just about owning it—it’s about transferring it wisely. With proper estate planning, you can ensure your heirs avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and receive the property in a way that aligns with your long-term vision.

Tools like revocable living trusts, LLCs, and transfer-on-death deeds are commonly used to streamline the inheritance process and protect assets from unnecessary legal entanglements. In fact, real estate passed through a well-structured trust can significantly minimize tax liability and administrative headaches for your beneficiaries


Real Estate That Lives Beyond You

At REIF, we believe investing isn’t just about today’s return—it’s about tomorrow’s legacy. That’s why we don’t just look at the numbers. We look at the story we’re helping write. A home you renovate today could be where a future family grows. A rental you stabilize could support your grandchild’s education decades from now.

When you invest in real estate, you're not just creating wealth. You're building something that outlives you.

References

Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown.

Internal Revenue Service. (2024). Estate and Gift Taxes. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estate-and-gift-taxes

Killewald, A., & Bryan, B. (2018). Does your home make you wealthy? Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, 4(2), 34–57.

Sharkey, P. (2013). Stuck in place: Urban neighborhoods and the end of progress toward racial equality. University of Chicago Press.

Urban Institute. (2019). Examining the Black-White wealth gap. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/examining-black-white-wealth-gap

Recent Posts

By Cy Waldron April 9, 2026
Selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially when you know there are repairs or updates that need to be made. The good news is that you don't always have to spend weeks fixing up your property before putting it on the market. Sell Your Home As-Is Selling your home as-is means you're offering the property in its current condition without making repairs or improvements before closing. This can be a great option for homeowners who want a simpler, faster sale without putting additional money into the property. Price the Home for Its Current Condition The condition of your home should be reflected in the asking price. Buyers will consider the cost of necessary repairs when deciding what they're willing to pay. A realistic price can attract more interest and help you avoid having the property sit on the market for months. Be Upfront About the Property Don't try to hide known problems. Being transparent about the home's condition helps buyers understand exactly what they're purchasing and can reduce surprises during inspections and negotiations. Consider Buyers Who Purchase Homes As-Is Some buyers specifically look for homes that need work. Investors and cash buyers may be willing to purchase a property without requiring you to complete repairs first. Depending on the buyer, this can also mean fewer contingencies and a faster closing process. Focus on Simple Cleanup Even if you're not making repairs, basic cleanup can make a difference. Remove clutter, clean the home, mow the lawn, and make the property easy for potential buyers to see. These inexpensive steps can improve the home's presentation without requiring a major investment. The Bottom Line You don't necessarily need to renovate your home before selling it. If speed and convenience are your priorities, selling as-is can eliminate the time, expense, and stress of completing repairs. The key is setting realistic expectations, pricing the property appropriately, and finding a buyer who is comfortable purchasing the home in its current condition.
By Cy Waldron April 9, 2026
Selling your house for cash can be a faster and simpler alternative to a traditional home sale. Instead of listing your property, preparing for showings, and waiting for a buyer to secure financing, a cash sale can eliminate many of the steps that typically slow down the process. Start With a Property Evaluation The process usually begins with the buyer gathering information about your property. They may ask about the home's condition, location, necessary repairs, and your preferred timeline. In some cases, the buyer will also schedule a quick walkthrough before making an offer. Receive a Cash Offer Once the property has been evaluated, you'll receive an offer based on the home's current condition and market value. Because cash buyers often purchase homes as-is, you may not need to make repairs, renovate, or prepare the property for traditional showings. Review the Offer  Take time to understand exactly what is included. Look at the purchase price, closing timeline, contingencies, fees, and any costs you may be responsible for. A reputable buyer should clearly explain the terms before you agree to anything. Choose Your Closing Date One of the biggest advantages of selling for cash is flexibility. Without a mortgage approval process, closing can often happen much faster than a traditional sale. Depending on the situation, you may also be able to choose a closing date that works with your moving schedule. Complete the Closing Process The title company or closing attorney will handle the necessary paperwork, verify ownership, address any liens or title issues, and prepare the documents needed to transfer the property. Once everything is finalized and the transaction closes, you'll receive the proceeds from the sale. A Simpler Way to Sell Selling your house for cash can be a good option when your priority is speed, convenience, or avoiding the work that comes with preparing a home for the traditional market. Understanding the offer and working with a reputable buyer can help make the process straightforward from beginning to end.
By Cy Waldron April 9, 2026
Selling a property as-is means selling it in its current condition without completing major repairs or renovations first. While this approach isn't right for every homeowner, there are situations where avoiding the time and expense of fixing up a property can make sense. 1. The Property Needs Major Repairs  If your home needs a new roof, HVAC system, foundation work, plumbing repairs, or other expensive improvements, getting it ready for a traditional sale can quickly become costly. Selling as-is allows you to avoid taking on those projects before moving forward. 2. You Inherited a Property An inherited property can come with additional responsibilities, especially if you don't live nearby or don't want to maintain another home. Selling as-is can simplify the process by eliminating the need to renovate, clean out, or manage the property long term. 3. You Need to Sell Quickly Sometimes your timeline matters more than getting the highest possible sale price. A job relocation, financial change, divorce, or other major life event may create a need to sell quickly. An as-is sale can reduce the amount of preparation required before selling. 4. You're Dealing With a Rental Property Owning a rental property can become difficult when you're dealing with maintenance, vacancies, damage, or ongoing management responsibilities. If you're ready to move on from the property, selling it as-is can help you avoid completing another round of improvements before the sale. 5. You Don't Want to Spend Money on Renovations Even if you have the time to make repairs, you may not want to invest thousands of dollars into a property you're planning to sell. Renovations can also come with unexpected costs and delays. Selling as-is allows you to sell the property in its current condition and let the next owner decide what improvements to make. Is Selling As-Is Right for You? Selling as-is usually involves a tradeoff. You may receive less than you would for a fully repaired and updated property, but you can potentially save significant time, money, and effort in the process. The right choice depends on your property's condition, your timeline, and what matters most to you during the sale.
By Joshua Waldron September 22, 2025
Why Amenities Are the New Competitive Edge
By Joshua Waldron September 8, 2025
When people move in, capital follows fast. In early 2025, Salt Lake City was ranked the hottest real estate market in the Western U.S., and 10th nationally, thanks to extremely tight inventory, rising prices, and continued demand (Axios, 2025). Home price appreciation is projected to be around 3.2% through December 2025 (Integrity Place, 2025), and job growth continues to attract new residents; Salt Lake County added 24,700 jobs from December 2023 to December 2024, with average wages up 5.7% (Integrity Place, 2025). Those numbers explain why REIF is actively watching and investing in Salt Lake City: it delivers a potent mix of affordability (relative to other Western metros), young population, strong employment, and limited supply. On the opposite side of the country, Hampton Roads, anchored by Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and surrounding cities, offers its own form of stability and growth. This region benefits from one of the highest concentrations of military installations in the U.S., with defense spending, ports, and shipbuilding forming the economic backbone (Wikipedia, 2025). Home demand is rising. Single-family permits spiked 9.8% in January 2025, and home prices rose 6.9% year-over-year in Q4 2024, above both state and national averages (Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, 2025).  For REIF, focusing on Salt Lake City and Hampton Roads isn’t guesswork, it’s a response to real, measurable trends. Both regions deliver sustained demand and limited supply, setting them up for continued growth.
By Joshua Waldron July 24, 2025
REIF’s Real Estate Lessons and Momentum in 2025
By Joshua Waldron July 3, 2025
Why Real Estate Investing Offers More Than Financial Returns
By Joshua Waldron June 17, 2025
Why Real Estate Investing is a Smart Choice for Building Wealth
By Joshua Waldron June 3, 2025
Why Real Estate Investing is a Smart Choice for Building Wealth
By Joshua Waldron May 28, 2025
Why Real Estate Investing is a Smart Choice for Building Wealth
Show More