When people think of real estate professionals, they often picture agents closing deals and selling homes. To be a real estate professional, it’s not only about sales. Many other activities also count toward the 750-hour rule set by the IRS.
If you’re in Orlando, FL, you might already be engaging in qualifying activities without realizing it! In this guide, we will reveal important real estate tasks that count toward your hours. We will also show how programs like LEAP Academy can help you meet IRS requirements.
Understanding Real Estate Professional Status (REPS)
To qualify as a real estate professional for tax purposes, the IRS requires that you:
- Spend more than 50% of your working time in real estate.
- Work at least 750 hours per year in real estate-related activities.
- Materially participate in real estate activities, not just passively invest.
Some activities, like buying, selling, and managing properties, are well-known qualifiers. However, there are also less obvious activities that count.
Hidden Activities That Help You Meet the 750-Hour Rule
Many professionals underestimate the range of qualifying real estate activities. If you’re working in these areas, you might already be closer to meeting the IRS’s 750-hour requirement than you think!
1. Research & Market Analysis
- Studying market trends, analyzing property values, and researching investment opportunities.
- Attending open houses and property tours for market research.
- Using tools like MLS, Zillow, or Redfin to compare properties and pricing.
📌 Pro Tip: Document time spent on research, even if you don’t make a transaction. The IRS recognizes this as part of active real estate participation.
2. Property Renovation & Maintenance Oversight
- Overseeing contractors, hiring repair services, or managing upgrades.
- Planning property renovations or flips to increase value.
- Conducting inspections and ensuring properties meet rental standards.
📌 Pro Tip: If you manage your own rental properties, these tasks count toward your REPS hours. Just remember to keep records of your work.
3. Leasing & Tenant Relations
- Advertising rental properties and screening potential tenants.
- Drafting lease agreements, handling renewals, and managing lease negotiations.
- Resolving tenant concerns, coordinating repairs, and ensuring compliance with local rental laws.
📌 Pro Tip: If you manage rental properties, this work can count toward the 750-hour rule. You do not need to be a licensed real estate agent.
4. Networking & Continuing Education
- Attending real estate workshops, training sessions, or mentorship programs.
- Participating in networking events with real estate investors, brokers, or developers.
- Taking real estate courses to enhance skills or meet state licensing requirements.
📌 Pro Tip: LEAP Academy in Orlando, FL offers real estate education programs. These programs can count toward your REPS hours. This makes it easier to meet the IRS requirements while improving your skills.
5. Marketing & Business Development
- Creating real estate listings, social media content, and digital marketing campaigns.
- Managing a real estate blog, website, or online presence.
- Hosting virtual tours, webinars, or informational sessions for clients.
📌 Pro Tip: The time you spend on branding and marketing counts as real estate hours. Track it like you do for showings or paperwork.
How LEAP Academy Can Help You Qualify as a Real Estate Professional
If you’re in Orlando, FL, LEAP Academy is a great resource to:
- Learn: Take real estate licensing and professional development courses.
- Earn: Understand tax-saving strategies for real estate professionals.
- Advance: Network with top professionals in Orlando’s real estate scene.
- Prosper: Get the skills needed to grow your career and maximize your tax benefits.
By attending LEAP Academy events, workshops, and courses, you can use this learning time for your 750-hour requirement. You will also gain valuable knowledge about the industry.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Sales—Every Hour Counts
Being a real estate professional is about more than just selling homes. If you are doing research, property management, leasing, networking, or marketing, you are on your way to IRS qualification. You just need to keep track of it correctly.
If you are in Orlando, FL, you can use LEAP Academy’s resources. They can help you improve your skills and grow your career. You can also meet the IRS’s 750-hour rule while staying compliant.
Start tracking your real estate hours today—and make every activity count toward your professional status!
