Suggestions for donating a house to chairty?

StephenWeinstein

The simplest thing would be to sell the house and then donate the money to whatever charity you want. Almost any type of charity can use money.

Slumlord

Whatever charity you donate to is probably just going to sell the house and take the money so just donate to whatever you think is the most deserving charity that will take it. I once heard that this is a great idea (tax wise) as you can deduct the appraised value (regardless of the eventual sale price) without taking into account closing/ holding costs and don't have to go to the hassle of repairing/ selling it yourself, however I heard this many years ago and have no idea if it still applies or is as easy to do. So, if you are doing this for the deduction make sure to consult a tax professional. For myself; me and my family are my favorite charity and fixing and selling houses is a lot easier for me than some charity. So, I would just sell the place, keep the money and then give cash donations to deserving charities as I wanted but if you prefer this way then best luck, maybe it is a better plan than my way and if the house is a tough sell maybe a much better idea.

mdjgirl7

Trust me if I could sell this house I would I will be lucky to get a few thousand in the neighborhoods and condition of this house. It's livable with repairs that I am not willing to do.

Pascal the Gambler

There is almost no way you get more writing it off than you would selling it.

Slabberdasken

An organization that helps the homeless?

sunshine_mel

You could give it to a shelter charity (either for abused women, or homeless people)

Eva

Try Habitat for Humanity. They redo homes to sell to lower income families.

babyboomer1001

Charities are not set up to choose a realtor, sign a contract, deal with the legal papers, etc. to sell a house. Why don't you sell the house and donate the money to charity? How about an animal charity. People have so many resources and too many of us are lazy, druggies, etc. and people don't bother to help themselves. They are just looking for a handout. Animals are innocent and need looking after. I would suggest World Wildlife Fund or one of the Humane Societies that rescues pets/animals in need.

Simply

a charity may not want to take on a house they will have to pay expenses on. at least in some states, they may be exempt from property tax, but they will likely have some costs. depending on what the house could be used for might make a difference. agencies that run group homes for the disabled may consider it. the Arc is a national org you can look into. also check with habitat for humanity is there specifically a reason you don't want to sell it and just donate the cash? looks like Kars4kids takes houses, BUT they are largely a scam, very little goes to needy kids..research them or any other charity. of course many charities can hire a realtor, deal with legal papers, etc. although one that can use the house themselves is more likely to want it

Judy

I work with a charity and someone once offered to donate a house to us. After looking at it, we turned it down, and sent the out of town owner some pictures to show what bad shape it was in. Sounds like you're in that same position. The IRS is likely to assume you're just trying to avoid the cost of fixing it or tearing it down. If you feel it has value, have multiple appraisals to be able to argue your case