Give Yourself a Loan Today: Leverage Your Stock Portfolio to Invest in Real Estate
Investing wisely means finding opportunities, while minimizing taxes. With a strong stock portfolio, you can leverage your investments to purchase real estate. Using a portfolio loan or securities-backed line of credit, you can access liquidity without selling your stocks. This strategy allows you to diversify your portfolio, generate passive income, and take advantage of Macon and Middle Georgia real estate opportunities.
Whether you are a seasoned investor or exploring your first property purchase, using your portfolio to invest in real estate can be a smart, tax-efficient way to build long-term wealth.
What Is a Portfolio Loan and How It Works
A portfolio loan is a loan secured by your stock portfolio. Instead of selling your stocks to fund a real estate purchase, you borrow against them—typically up to 50–70% of their value. This gives you immediate cash for investment without triggering capital gains taxes.
For example, if your stock portfolio is worth $500,000, a portfolio loan could provide $250,000–$350,000 in liquidity. You could use that money to buy rental properties, multi-family units, or commercial investments in Macon, all while your portfolio continues to grow in the stock market.
Key Benefits of a Portfolio Loan:
Avoid selling appreciated stocks and paying capital gains taxes
Maintain long-term stock market exposure
Access competitive interest rates, often lower than conventional loans
Flexibility in repayment and investment options
Real-Life Example: Turning Stocks into Real Estate
Imagine you have $600,000 in a diversified stock portfolio. Rather than selling a portion and paying capital gains taxes, you take a portfolio loan for $300,000. You invest that amount in a duplex in Macon, renting out both units.
Monthly rental income: $3,200
Loan interest: $1,200
Net cash flow: $2,000 per month
Over time, the property appreciates, and you benefit from tax deductions like mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation. Meanwhile, your original stock portfolio continues to grow. This creates a dual income stream: passive rental income and continued stock appreciation.
Why Macon Real Estate
Before we get into the tax benefits below, let’s take a look at why you may want to put Macon at the top of your list. Macon is home to a thriving healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Macon, along with countless clinics and long-term care facilities. Together, healthcare and social assistance employ more than 15,000 residents across the county, making it one of the city’s largest industries. With nearly half of local households renting rather than owning, this means thousands of doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff represent a steady pool of potential renters. For real estate investors, that combination—stable employment in an essential industry and a strong renter base—makes Macon a particularly attractive market.
Macon is also a true college town, with Mercer University at its heart. Mercer enrolls over 9,000 students across its campuses, many of whom live off campus and contribute directly to the rental housing demand. Beyond the student population, Mercer employs more than 1,400 faculty and staff in Macon, many of whom prefer the flexibility of renting near campus. Add in other local institutions, like Wesleyan College and Middle Georgia State University, and you have a steady flow of students, professors, and university employees fueling consistent demand for well-located rental properties.
Just south of Macon, Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins is the region’s largest single employer, with more than 24,000 active-duty service members, civilian employees, and contractors. Many of these individuals and their families look for housing within a reasonable commute, often choosing to rent rather than buy due to the temporary nature of military assignments. This creates a steady stream of reliable renters, from young airmen just starting out, to civilian specialists working on base projects—making the Macon area an appealing option for those tied to the base but seeking more diverse housing choices.
Top 10 Reasons Why Macon Is the Best Choice for Real Estate Investment
Major Healthcare Employers – With more than 15,000 people working in healthcare and social assistance, Macon has a constant demand for rental housing from doctors, nurses, and support staff.
College Town Stability – Mercer University, Wesleyan College, and Middle Georgia State University bring thousands of students, faculty, and staff who regularly rent, fueling year-round housing demand.
Proximity to Robins Air Force Base – Just 20 minutes south, the base employs over 24,000 service members and civilians, many of whom seek rental housing within commuting distance.
Affordable Home Prices – Compared to Atlanta, Warner Robins, and even Forsyth, Macon’s median home price is significantly lower, allowing investors to buy more property or generate higher cash flow.
Strong Rental Market – Nearly half of Macon households rent, which is higher than many nearby cities. This creates a dependable base of tenants across all income levels.
Growing Downtown Revitalization – Macon’s downtown is experiencing a surge in new restaurants, breweries, music venues, and loft apartments, drawing young professionals and creatives to the city center.
Cultural and Historic Appeal – With deep musical roots (Otis Redding, Allman Brothers), historic neighborhoods, and vibrant festivals, Macon offers lifestyle appeal that attracts long-term renters and homebuyers alike.
Strategic Location – Situated along I-75, Macon is less than 90 minutes from Atlanta, making it attractive for commuters, logistics businesses, and people who want city access without big-city prices.
Business & Job Growth – Beyond healthcare and education, Macon has a growing logistics and manufacturing presence thanks to its central Georgia location and rail/highway connectivity.
Investment-Friendly Market – With favorable price-to-rent ratios, a steady renter population, and ongoing economic development projects, Macon offers more upside and less saturation compared to surrounding cities like Warner Robins, Forsyth, or Perry.
Tax Benefits of Leveraging Stocks for Real Estate
The tax advantages of this strategy are substantial:
Defer Capital Gains – By borrowing against your stocks, you avoid triggering taxable events that would occur if you sold your shares.
Deductible Loan Interest – If the portfolio loan funds are used for investment purposes, the interest may be tax-deductible.
Real Estate Deductions – Property owners can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.
Reduced Taxable Income – Rental property deductions and loan interest can offset rental income, lowering overall taxes.
For investors in Middle Georgia, these benefits are especially valuable. Property taxes are relatively low, and real estate appreciation potential is strong, allowing investors to maximize deductions and build equity simultaneously.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Invest in Macon Real Estate
Several market conditions make 2025 an ideal time to leverage your stock portfolio for real estate:
Competitive Loan Rates – Securities-backed loans often have lower interest rates than traditional mortgages, making borrowing cost-effective.
Portfolio Diversification – Real estate behaves differently than stocks, reducing overall investment risk and providing a stabilizing effect during market volatility.
Affordable Property Prices – Macon and Middle Georgia offer properties priced below national averages, giving investors a higher potential for cash flow and appreciation.
Strong Rental Demand – With limited new construction and a growing local population, rental properties are in high demand, making them a reliable source of passive income.
Tax Optimization – Deferred capital gains and property tax deductions enhance overall investment efficiency.
Steps to Safely Leverage Your Portfolio
To make the most of this strategy while minimizing risk:
Assess Your Portfolio – Determine how much you can safely borrow without compromising long-term goals.
Compare Loan Terms – Interest rates, repayment schedules, and collateral requirements vary by lender.
Identify Investment Properties – Work with a local expert like Joanna “JoJo” Jones to find properties with strong income potential and long-term appreciation.
Plan for Contingencies – Leverage amplifies both gains and losses. Have a plan in case markets shift or rental vacancies occur.
Consult Your Tax Advisor – Ensure your loan and real estate strategy maximizes deductions and aligns with your overall financial plan.
Why Work with Joanna “JoJo” Jones
Investing in real estate is more than buying property—it’s about understanding the local market. JoJo Jones has deep expertise in Macon and Middle Georgia, helping investors:
Identify high-potential rental properties and neighborhoods
Understand trends, economic growth, and infrastructure development
Navigate property management, tenant relations, and legal compliance
Develop long-term strategies for building and expanding a real estate portfolio
With JoJo’s guidance, every investment decision is informed, strategic, and tailored to your financial goals.
Maximize Wealth Through Dual Investment
Leveraging your stock portfolio to invest in real estate allows you to grow wealth on two fronts:
Stock Portfolio Growth – Your investments continue to appreciate in value.
Real Estate Cash Flow – Rental income provides a steady stream of passive income, with the potential for property appreciation over time.
The combination of portfolio growth, passive rental income, and tax optimization creates a powerful wealth-building strategy.
Ready to Turn Your Portfolio into Real Estate Wealth?
Your stock portfolio can do more than sit in the market; it can be the key to building a profitable real estate portfolio while minimizing taxes.
Start your journey today:
Browse JoJo’s Listings Hub: Explore investment-ready properties in Macon and Middle Georgia.
Schedule a Consultation: Receive expert guidance on portfolio loans, property selection, and tax strategies.
Plan Your Portfolio Loan: Learn how to leverage your stocks safely and maximize both returns and tax benefits.
Pro Tip: Middle Georgia properties offer strong rental income potential and long-term appreciation—perfect for diversifying your investment strategy.
Explore Listings & Start Investing Today → JoJo’s Listings Hub
Give yourself a loan today, and turn your portfolio into a pathway for real estate success.
New Listings: Macon Georgia
Sign up: Market Reports
Learn More: About JoJo
View More: Macon Listings
Featured: Macon Magazine
JoJo's Properties: JoJo's Listings Hub
Contact Me: Sell Smart with JoJo™