Antonieta Putnam is a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Broker at Coldwell Banker, where she represents clients across various residential properties. She is also a Client Liaison at The Magnolia Group, where she focuses on hard money and commercial and investment lending. 
  

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [9:45] Antonieta Putnam shares her 25-year journey in real estate
• [14:28] How integrity drives Antonieta’s approach with clients
• [16:47] Regulatory changes in the title and escrow space and their impact on consumers
• [20:03] When are title and mortgage insurance required?
• [24:02] A deep dive into 1031 exchanges, including the types of properties that qualify
• [33:52] The risks and legal implications of quitclaim deeds in Washington State
• [38:31] How foreign seller tax obligations affect buyers in US real estate
• [43:51] Rapid-fire questions with Antonieta

In this episode…

Navigating the real estate space — especially during major life transitions like inheritance, investment upgrades, or home buying — can feel overwhelming. From understanding title insurance to managing tax liability during sales, buyers and sellers often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. How can individuals protect their financial interests and ensure a smooth transaction in such a regulated and detail-heavy industry?

With over two decades of experience in title, escrow, and residential sales, Antonieta Putnam recommends purchasing title insurance to safeguard against ownership disputes and hidden liabilities. Buyers and sellers should also obtain expert counsel, such as real estate attorneys or experienced agents when handling inheritance properties, quitclaim deeds, or complex tax scenarios like 1031 exchanges. By staying informed on state-specific excise taxes, regulatory changes, and under-the-radar risks like FIRPTA, buyers and sellers can protect their investments. 

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Harder, Jake Hanes speaks with Antonieta Putnam, Licensed Real Estate Agent and Broker at Coldwell Banker, about how she protects clients during complex transactions. Antonieta talks about her integrity-driven approach, why property owners may need to purchase title or mortgage insurance, and how foreign seller tax impacts buyers in US real estate.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Jake Hanes on LinkedIn
• Action Tax Service, LLC
• Antonieta Putnam on LinkedIn
• Coldwell Banker

Quotable Moments:

• “It’s not about the money; it’s about, ‘Did I say what I was going to do?’”
• “The emotions don’t always like the law, and we have to find that fine-tune.”
• “You could be doing something that you’re going to get a knock or a letter from DOR.”
• “1031 companies are not regulated… anyone could open up a 1031 exchange.”
• “If you remove anybody off a property, you’re paying excise tax on the assessed value.”

Action Steps:

1. Consult a real estate attorney before executing a quitclaim deed: Legal guidance ensures the transfer complies with local laws and avoids unexpected taxes or ownership issues. Improperly handled quitclaims can trigger excise taxes or disputes down the road.
2. Vet 1031 exchange companies carefully: These companies are not federally regulated, so due diligence is essential to protect large financial transactions. Working with a reputable national provider reduces the risk of mismanagement or fraud.
3. Understand the importance of title insurance: Title insurance protects buyers and lenders from legal claims or defects related to property ownership. It ensures long-term peace of mind and financial security for what is often a person’s largest investment.
4. Get a detailed net sheet before closing a transaction: This document breaks down local taxes, fees, and costs specific to your county and property type. Understanding these numbers upfront helps avoid surprise charges and improves financial planning.
5. Stay informed on FIRPTA when buying from foreign sellers: FIRPTA tax obligations can shift to the buyer if the seller doesn’t pay. Knowing the seller’s status early in the process helps prevent costly liens on your property.

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by Action Tax Service, LLC, which provides income tax, bookkeeping, and payroll services to individuals and businesses.

With a specific focus on the growth and success of small businesses, Action Tax provides companies with specialized training and support in Quickbooks accounting software.

Our team of seasoned tax preparers, professional bookkeepers, payroll specialists, and CPAs process federal, business, personal, partnership, and estate returns.

To learn how you can save time and money on your bookkeeping, visit us at https://actiontaxteam.com/.