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How to Invest in Real Estate Using Your IRA or Old 401(k): A Strategic Guide for Scottsdale Investors

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult with your tax advisor, attorney, or certified financial planner before making decisions related to self-directed retirement accounts and real estate investments.

Did you know your IRA or old 401(k) could be working harder for you—outside of the stock market?

If you’re sitting on a former employer’s 401(k) or a traditional IRA account that’s gone dormant, there’s a powerful and often overlooked wealth-building opportunity waiting: real estate investing through a self-directed retirement account.

This strategy is especially attractive in high-appreciation markets like Scottsdale, Arizona, where demand, development, and lifestyle-driven migration continue to rise.

What Is a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k)?

A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) or Solo 401(k) gives you the ability to invest in a broader range of assets—including residential real estate, land, multifamily units, and even development projects—while maintaining the tax-deferred or tax-free benefits of a retirement account.

However, unlike traditional IRAs held at banks or investment firms, these accounts must be managed through qualified custodians who specialize in alternative assets.

Know the Rules: IRS Compliance Matters

The IRS has strict guidelines on how retirement funds can interact with real estate. You can’t live in the property, use it for personal benefit, or rent it to a disqualified person (such as a family member).
You also cannot personally finance repairs, pay contractors directly, or use your own money for upgrades.

This is why working with a knowledgeable real estate advisor, a reputable IRA custodian, and a qualified tax professional is essential.

Smart Steps to Start Investing in Real Estate with Retirement Funds

1. Rollover or Convert to a Self-Directed Account

Start by identifying if your current IRA or old 401(k) is eligible for rollover. If so, work with a custodian that specializes in self-directed accounts and real estate transactions.

2. Clarify Investment Strategy & Goals

Do you want long-term rentals, fix-and-holds, or land banking in Scottsdale? Your property type must align with your retirement timeline, risk tolerance, and exit strategy.

3. Partner with Local Experts

You’ll need a trusted Scottsdale-based real estate advisor who understands investment properties, zoning, resale values, and rental trends. Someone who knows the hyperlocal market can help you avoid costly mistakes—and identify high-potential opportunities.

Why Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix?

Scottsdale isn’t just a lifestyle destination—it’s a strategic investment zone.

With continuous relocation from cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, demand for homes, rentals, and development-ready land is growing. This makes it an ideal market for IRA-funded real estate portfolios.

If you’re considering diversifying your retirement funds through real estate, now is the time to gain clarity, avoid missteps, and build a long-term strategy.

Schedule a private, confidential Zoom consultation with me to explore how this strategy could work for your situation and financial goals.

Have you ever thought about using your retirement funds to invest in real estate—but felt unsure where to start?
Or do you know someone who might benefit from this knowledge?

Leave a comment below, share this post, or tag a friend. Your future self may thank you.

#ScottsdaleRealEstate #IRAInvesting #SelfDirectedIRA #RealEstateAdvisor #Old401kStrategy #RetirementWealth #TaxSmartInvesting #FinancialEducation #LuxuryRealEstateAdvisor #ScottsdaleHomes #ArizonaRealEstate #PassiveIncomePlanning #RealEstateStrategy #InvestWithPurpose #WealthBuildingTips #ScottsdaleLuxuryHomes

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Katrina is the ultimate professional. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an energetic, knowledgeable and quickly responsive agent. As a busy professional and out-of-town buyer it was difficult for me to focus my search and to view and follow up on properties in today's fast moving real estate market. Katrina helped me fine tune my search and to better understand the market and the home buying process in Arizona. Katrina was there for me every step of the way. She loves her job and it shows. She took time to listen and to understand what I wanted in a second home. After searching for a condo in Scottsdale for over one year, once I connected with Katrina I was able to find and closed on a condo in less than 2 months. Katrina's knowledge and persistence on my behalf helped me get the deal done. I truly appreciate her efforts and highly recommend her.
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What I offer

Buyer Representation

Buying a home is more than a purchase—it’s a major life decision filled with complexity and emotion. Yet many buyers move forward without the strategic guidance they deserve, risking missed opportunities, costly missteps, and uncertainty in a fast-changing market.

With over 20 years in real estate—six in the U.S.—I’ve led clients through every stage, from construction and design to consulting and acquisition. This rare, full-spectrum perspective allows me to anticipate risks, uncover hidden value, and advocate with precision.

My approach is thoughtful, data-driven, and client-focused. Whether you’re relocating, upgrading, or investing, I provide the clarity and support you need to buy with confidence.

Let’s align your goals with a custom plan. Schedule your personal consultation today—and step into your next chapter with strategy, insight, and peace of mind.

Buyer Representation When Buying New Built Home - Custom or Master Planned Community
We have a huge kept up to date New-Built Homes Database and are very well connected in local builders market. Having research and consulting, construction and then sales experience over the course of our professional career, today we bring all the above experience together with local Greater Phoenix real estate market knowledge to serve for the benefit of our Clients’ real estate needs. Our careful strategic approach, knowledge, and willingness to go extra mile creates exceptional experience for her Clients, and they come back and refer us to their friends and family. Connect and schedule your free consultation today!
Buyer Representation in Resale Market Deals
We will guide You every step of the way during the buying process of a resale home. Being well connected within the industry, we can find real deals, help you to put an offer an negotiate, Help you during the due diligence and examination process, all through the successful closing and beyond. Nevertheless You most likely have pretty defined checklist of Your needs, wants and expectations, It is always important to connect with a professional, who works 24/7 and has the feel of the market on the fingertips.
Investor Representation
There is so many ways You can invest into real estate. We do not give any legal or financial advise or any legal or financial recommendations. We work in the market field 24/7, know what is heading the market, what has been sitting on the market, REO’s, bank properties, foreclosures, fire sales properties, tendencies, developing sites etc. Nevertheless You most likely have pretty defined checklist of Your needs, wants and expectations, It is always important to connect with a professional, who works 24/7 and has the feel of the market on the fingertips.
Out of State and International Buyer Representation
When thinking to distantly buy a property, there are so many nuances to take into consideration. The major one is that by Arizona Law buying site unseen, whether it’s a home or a land, puts the Seller into highly vulnerable position. This is why ideally You always have to come and actually see the property, before going under contract, and that is what we always recommend to our Buyers. Though, just to get a feeling and to touch base with local market, property types, peculiarities, opportunities, we can be your eyes and ears here:) and share tons of information on the local market. Schedule a live zoom meeting with us to discuss Your opportunities today.
First-Time Home Buyer Representation
As a first time home buyer Arizona, the most important decisions for You are: What can you afford? Where do you want to live? What are the minimum must-haves you need to even consider a home? Which lender offers the best cost of the mortgage? What will be the closing costs? Taking all the above and beyond in mind, we will guide through the whole entire process. And of course, we offer absolutely free support and consultations when you need to evaluate, where you at in home buying process. Connect now to make the first step. Our team of professionals will be with you every step of the way, from the first minute You made inquiry, to handing You the keys. We will organize previewing, showings, negotiate and work through the contract and paperwork to the successful closing and beyond.
Local Market Knowledge & Analysis
We will prepare custom local market reviews for potentially interesting properties for You, send you market updates and reports on the local market. Whether You local or out of state Buyer, You will be always in the loop of the latest market and pricing trends, as well as properties which are just heading to hit the market.
3d Video Tours and Previewings
We work 24/7, days and weekends to find the property for you as we do real estate professionally, this is our main business. We keep our tools sharp and up to date, so that our Clients could get the best of our service.
Virtual and In-Person Consultations
We are available via Zoom to schedule a consultation and talk through all the questions, that may arise at any stage of Your buying process. Whether You need a glimpse on the market, opinion, you’ve got a question : or if we are successfully under contract with You to buy a home, we can always jump on a video call and talk through the paperwork, or kick off some other questions, that may arise.

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Selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a pivotal decision that deserves careful planning, expert insight, and thoughtful strategy. Yet many sellers unknowingly leave money on the table by navigating the process without full-spectrum representation.

With 20+ years of experience—including six in the U.S.—I’ve worked on iconic developments and advised through every phase, from architecture and construction to sales and negotiation. This 360° background gives me the insight to position your property strategically, minimize risk, and maximize value in today’s market.

Every listing is unique. I take a tailored, research-driven approach that aligns with your goals and elevates your return. Let’s ensure your next sale reflects the true potential of your asset.

Schedule your personal consultation today, and let’s plan a seamless, successful exit—one rooted in experience, trust, and clarity.

Real Estate Consultations & Property Assessment
Our expert will schedule a walk-through with you to precisely evaluate your property in-person. We will work out effective sale strategy for your property, find a buyer for your home and at the top dollar price!
Market Analysis & Comparisons
We will prepare custom local market review for your property as well comparative market analysis. Together we will identify key selling points of your property, and you will be confident of the price strategy that you finally chose.
Home Staging & Preparation
Our team is very well connected in the Valley and has great experience in home selling process. We will share with you valuable professional tips for Sellers to sell the home for top dollar.
Marketing & Showings
We create custom marketing campaign for Your property, identify its selling points and work with the potential of the property.
Negotiation on Behalf of the Seller
The best part for You is that we take away all the pressure and stress of negotiation from Your shoulders. We professionally negotiate on your behalf. You just sit and relax, waiting for the close of escrow date to come.
Seller Interests Representation
Our team of professionals will be with you every step of the way, from preparing your home for sale, to handing keys to the Buyer. We will organize marketing campaign, showings, negotiate and work through the contract and paperwork.

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Real Estate Consultations & Property Assessment
Our expert will schedule a walk-through with you to precisely evaluate your property in-person. We will work out effective sale strategy for your property, find a buyer for your home and at the top dollar price!
Market Analysis & Comparisons
We will prepare custom local market review for your property as well comparative market analysis. Together we will identify key selling points of your property, and you will be confident of the price strategy that you finally chose.
Home Staging & Preparation
Our team is very well connected in the Valley and has great experience in home selling process. We will share with you valuable professional tips for Sellers to sell the home for top dollar.
Marketing & Showings
We create custom marketing campaign for Your property, identify its selling points and work with the potential of the property.
Negotiation on Behalf of the Seller
The best part for You is that we take away all the pressure and stress of negotiation from Your shoulders. We professionally negotiate on your behalf. You just sit and relax, waiting for the close of escrow date to come.
Seller Interests Representation
Our team of professionals will be with you every step of the way, from preparing your home for sale, to handing keys to the Buyer. We will organize marketing campaign, showings, negotiate and work through the contract and paperwork.

JUST LISTED PROPERTIES IN GREATER PHOENIX AREA, AZ

Buyer Representation When Buying New Built Home - Custom or Master Planned Community
We have a huge kept up to date New-Built Homes Database and are very well connected in local builders market. Having research and consulting, construction and then sales experience over the course of our professional career, today we bring all the above experience together with local Greater Phoenix real estate market knowledge to serve for the benefit of our Clients’ real estate needs. Our careful strategic approach, knowledge, and willingness to go extra mile creates exceptional experience for her Clients, and they come back and refer us to their friends and family. Connect and schedule your free consultation today!
Buyer Representation in Resale Market Deals
We will guide You every step of the way during the buying process of a resale home. Being well connected within the industry, we can find real deals, help you to put an offer an negotiate, Help you during the due diligence and examination process, all through the successful closing and beyond. Nevertheless You most likely have pretty defined checklist of Your needs, wants and expectations, It is always important to connect with a professional, who works 24/7 and has the feel of the market on the fingertips.
Investor Representation
There is so many ways You can invest into real estate. We do not give any legal or financial advise or any legal or financial recommendations. We work in the market field 24/7, know what is heading the market, what has been sitting on the market, REO’s, bank properties, foreclosures, fire sales properties, tendencies, developing sites etc. Nevertheless You most likely have pretty defined checklist of Your needs, wants and expectations, It is always important to connect with a professional, who works 24/7 and has the feel of the market on the fingertips.
Out of State and International Buyer Representation
When thinking to distantly buy a property, there are so many nuances to take into consideration. The major one is that by Arizona Law buying site unseen, whether it’s a home or a land, puts the Seller into highly vulnerable position. This is why ideally You always have to come and actually see the property, before going under contract, and that is what we always recommend to our Buyers. Though, just to get a feeling and to touch base with local market, property types, peculiarities, opportunities, we can be your eyes and ears here:) and share tons of information on the local market. Schedule a live zoom meeting with us to discuss Your opportunities today.
First-Time Home Buyer Representation
As a first time home buyer Arizona, the most important decisions for You are: What can you afford? Where do you want to live? What are the minimum must-haves you need to even consider a home? Which lender offers the best cost of the mortgage? What will be the closing costs? Taking all the above and beyond in mind, we will guide through the whole entire process. And of course, we offer absolutely free support and consultations when you need to evaluate, where you at in home buying process. Connect now to make the first step. Our team of professionals will be with you every step of the way, from the first minute You made inquiry, to handing You the keys. We will organize previewing, showings, negotiate and work through the contract and paperwork to the successful closing and beyond.
Local Market Knowledge & Analysis
We will prepare custom local market reviews for potentially interesting properties for You, send you market updates and reports on the local market. Whether You local or out of state Buyer, You will be always in the loop of the latest market and pricing trends, as well as properties which are just heading to hit the market.
3d Video Tours and Previewings
We work 24/7, days and weekends to find the property for you as we do real estate professionally, this is our main business. We keep our tools sharp and up to date, so that our Clients could get the best of our service.
Virtual and In-Person Consultations
We are available via Zoom to schedule a consultation and talk through all the questions, that may arise at any stage of Your buying process. Whether You need a glimpse on the market, opinion, you’ve got a question : or if we are successfully under contract with You to buy a home, we can always jump on a video call and talk through the paperwork, or kick off some other questions, that may arise.

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Katrina Golikova

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