Meet Raymund Ramos of LA County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymund Ramos.

Raymund, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I see myself as a seasoned real estate professional and strategist who started in the 1990’s and focuses on combining my perspective on real estate to maximize returns and build wealth for my clients. Over the years, I have successfully guided clients through residential, commercial and multifamily projects in the Philippines and the US, ensuring smart, strategic real estate decisions that align with their long-term goals. From the top fast-food chains like Jollibee Foods Corporation to the best real estate developers, brokerages Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker and Beverly & Company. I have also strategically partnered with industry-leading tax and trust structure experts specialized in crafting wealth-building strategies for buyers, sellers, and investors alike on the sale of highly appreciated real estate, businesses and all sorts of high value assets. Based in Los Angeles, California, I strive for integrity, foresight, and commitment to excellence.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Helping sellers, investors, and clients in general was not just about knowing the strategies—it was about translating them into trust and actionable options.

Many sellers, buyers and investors need to be presented various alternatives so that they are able to decide on the best course of action. Therefore, it takes a lot of research and information that you must contextualize within the client’s short- and long-term goals. The challenge in the area where I am focused on right now is that there are many clients who are unaware or are not open to the idea that they can reinvest their capital gains and gains taxes rather than losing a large chunk of their money to the IRS. It’s more of skepticism around tax deferral strategies; and that is not magic—it’s a process that they have to go through to realize that their capital gains and the gains taxes that would’ve lost could be reinvested to create compounding income and generational wealth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am in the real estate profession and I’m also a financial professional. It’s the combination of these two areas that I deliver a unique service to clients.

We deal mainly with strategies on the sale of assets (real estate, businesses and mostly all forms of appreciated assets including CRYPTO) to maintain 100% gain and defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from these high value assets that are sold. The flagship strategy is the 537 Installment Sale Trust (IST). It’s mainly used to preserve 100% to capital gains and defer the capital gains tax. Its foundation is IRC 453. It’s also a powerful alternative to use when a traditional 1031 Exchange might fail or isn’t feasible. This is also very applicable to estate planning and wealth building.

🔑 What It Does:
Allows sellers to defer capital gains taxes.

Offers flexibility for primary residences, businesses, investment properties, and other highly appreciated assets.

Can be used as a backup plan if a 1031 Exchange falls through—protecting sellers from unexpected tax hits.

🛡️ Why It Matters:
Up to 35–40% of gains can be deferred.

Helps preserve wealth, improve cash flow, and support estate planning.

Especially useful when strict 1031 timelines (45/180 days) can’t be met.

There are other Trust structures we work with: Amortized Installment Sale Trusts, Farmers Installment Sale Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Holding Trusts for Foreign Investors. These options and more are there to Maximize Income and Minimize Taxes. One does not have to be a multi-millionaire or billionaire to benefit from these strategies.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The future looks bright.

✅ Growing Relevance
As real estate and business owners face compressed valuations, maturing debt, and tax exposure, the 537 IST offers a flexible, IRS-compliant alternative to traditional deferral tools like 1031 exchanges.

It’s gaining traction as a backup strategy when 1031s fall through or when sellers want diversified reinvestment rather than like-kind property.

🧠 IRS Alignment
The trust structure is rooted in Section 453 of the Internal Revenue Code and guided by Publication 537, which outlines installment sale rules and interest requirements.

As long as the seller avoids constructive receipt and uses a secured promissory note, the deferral mechanism remains valid and powerful.

📈 Strategic Advantages
Tax Deferral: Spread capital gains over time, reducing upfront tax burden.

Income Stream: consistent passive payouts that offer liquidity and retirement income.

Investment Flexibility: Trustee-managed portfolios can align with seller goals.

Estate Planning: Can integrate with legacy strategies and charitable giving.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymund-ramos/

Image Credits
The Q Companies