“I'd sell, but the tax hit feels too big.”
You don't have to choose between staying stuck and handing a chunk of your equity to taxes.
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We help you keep more of your equity
When you sell appreciated real estate, several layers of tax can take a big bite. Equity Exit Pros helps owners explore legal, established strategies to defer or reduce that tax, so a sale doesn't feel like a penalty.
We're not a faceless service. We're Real Estate Professionals with a combined 23 years of helping you understand your options & partner with the best pros in tax and legal advice.
The layers that surprise people
- Federal capital-gains tax on the appreciation
- Depreciation recapture from your landlord years
- State income tax, depending on where you are
- Possibly the net investment income tax on top
Stacked together, that's why selling can feel so expensive, and why a strategy matters.
Three steps, zero pressure.
Book a quick call
A free no-pressure conversation about your property, equity, & options.
We map your options
We help you understand which strategies could fit, in plain language, no jargon, no pressure.
We connect the right pros
Exchanges, trusts, and tax structures need qualified specialists. We coordinate the right people so it's done correctly.
If a tax bill is the only thing keeping you, let's talk.
Owners of appreciated property
Rentals, land, commercial, a long-held home. Anyone who feels locked in by the tax bill.
Landlords ready to step back
Tired of being a landlord, but you don't want a giant capital-gains hit on the way out.
Trustees & families
Handling the sale of property held in a trust or estate, and you want it done cleanly.
Get oriented before you decide.
Search the library or filter by topic: capital-gains, 1031 exchanges, trust sales.
6 articles
The other DST: what a Deferred Sales Trust actually is
A Deferred Sales Trust is a way to spread the tax on a sale over years instead of paying it all at once. Here's the plain-language version of how it's put together, why people look at it, and the questions worth asking before you go anywhere near one.
Aug 7, 2026 · 7 min read
1031 ExchangeHow a 1031 exchange actually works, in plain language
A clear walkthrough of the 1031 like-kind exchange for California property owners — the two clocks, why you can't touch the proceeds, what 'boot' means, and when an exchange is the wrong tool.
Jul 30, 2026 · 8 min read
1031 ExchangeDelaware Statutory Trusts explained — and why there are two things called DST
A DST lets you 1031 into professionally managed real estate without being a landlord. What it gives you, what it asks you to give up, and why a Delaware Statutory Trust and a Deferred Sales Trust are completely different things.
Jul 30, 2026 · 8 min read
Trust SalesSelling California property held in a trust: what trustees need to know
Selling real estate from a trust or estate has its own basis, timing, and duty considerations. Why the stepped-up basis often shrinks the tax dramatically, what trustee duties mean in practice, and what to handle before listing.
Jul 30, 2026 · 8 min read
Tax SavingsTired of being a landlord but dreading the tax hit
You can step back from managing rental property without taking the full tax hit at once. The realistic paths — ranked by how hands-off you want to be — and the trade-off each one asks for.
Jul 30, 2026 · 7 min read
Tax SavingsThe tax hit when you sell appreciated California property, explained
Why the tax bill on a California property sale is usually bigger than owners expect — the four taxes that stack, why depreciation recapture surprises landlords, and what actually reduces the total.
Jul 30, 2026 · 7 min read
“Dev ran the numbers with his CPA before we ever listed. The coordination gave us clarity we didn't have before, and confidence to move forward. We closed well above asking with no surprises on the tax side.”
Michael & Sandra T.
Los Altos · Sold 2024 · Owned 18 years
“I'd been stuck for three years because the tax question felt too big to answer. After a single strategy session with Dev and his CPA, I finally understood my options. We listed two months later with a real plan.”
Ramesh K.
Palo Alto · Sold 2024 · Owned 22 years
“I assumed we understood our capital gains exposure, but Dev recommended we evaluate multiple scenarios before listing. The strategy session surfaced timing considerations and structuring options we hadn't considered. The difference between guessing and deciding with data was significant.”
Anita S.
Cupertino · Owned 19 years
“Brad worked with me on some investment alternatives with my real estate portfolio. He is extremely competent and knowledgeable but the thing I valued most about him is his integrity. He consistently worked for my benefit, putting aside any focus on his compensation. There was not even a whiff of self-interest in his work. It was all about what would benefit me the most. He's a class act.”
rbhateja
Verified review · Zillow
About the Founders
Brad Pickens
DRE# 02007206 · Broker
Brad has spent the last 10 years advising clients and assisting investors, home owners, & Trust sellers with 1031 exchanges and investment optimization. From preparing their home for sale & getting them the most money all the way to reinvestment and deferring capital gains tax, Brad has you covered.
Dev Singh
DRE# 01943535 · Realtor
For over 12 years, Dev has worked with Silicon Valley homeowners navigating complex transactions. From high-appreciation sales and investor dispositions to multi-offer negotiations in Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Cupertino. He's facilitated over $250M in Bay Area residential transactions and built his practice around coordinated exits for homeowners navigating significant appreciation.
One conversation could save you thousands
Save tens of thousands with a free, no obligation, & genuinely useful call with us.