If you’re interested in using a Self-Directed IRA to invest in alternative assets, such as real estate or precious metals, you’ll need to choose an IRA administration firm that can help you set up and manage your account. But with so many options out there, how do you know which firm is right for you? And if you’re not experienced with Self-Directed IRAs, how do you get started in choosing the firm that’s right for your needs? In this post, we’ll go over some key factors to consider when choosing a Self-Directed IRA administration firm.

Expertise in Self-Directed IRAs

The first thing you should look for in an administration firm is expertise in Self-Directed IRAs. You want to work with a firm that understands the unique rules and regulations that come with Self-Directed accounts, and has experience helping investors like you navigate them. Make sure to ask about the firm’s experience with Self-Directed accounts and the types of alternative assets you’re interested in.

A good way to tell if a Self-Directed IRA administration firm has the kind of experience you want is to browse their website and read about their team. Do they all seem like they’ve come to Self-Directed IRAs recently, or are they people with a lot of experience with exactly the kinds of things that line up with your desired path? Read a few bios and get a sense of what the team at your potential Self-Directed IRA has been up to in their careers.

Understanding Fees and Costs

Like any financial service, Self-Directed IRA administration firms charge fees for their services. It’s important to understand what fees you’ll be paying and how they’ll impact your returns. Some firms charge a flat fee, while others charge a percentage of your account’s value. Make sure to ask about all the fees you’ll be charged, including account setup fees, annual maintenance fees, and transaction fees. Consider how these fees compare to other firms and whether they’re worth the value you’re getting.

At American IRA, for examples, fees are static, meaning that even as your account grows, you might pay the same amount as you did when the account was smaller. This is in contrast to dynamic fees. With dynamic fees, a Self-Directed IRA administration firm might charge you more as the account you’ve built grows in size. And while that’s good for the Self-Directed IRA administration firm, it’s not quite as good for you. After all, you’re trying to build a long-term retirement nest egg. Hefty fees can eat into the otherwise astounding returns you’ve been working so hard to build.

Customer Service at Your Self-Directed IRA Administration Firm

When it comes to managing your retirement savings, customer service is crucial. You want to work with a firm that’s responsive, helpful, and easy to communicate with. Make sure to ask about the firm’s customer service policies and read reviews from other investors to get a sense of how they treat their clients.

After all, a Self-Directed IRA administration firm might feel like someone in your corner, and that’s for good reason. They might not give you specific investment advice, but as an administrator, they have to be responsive to your needs. They have to be able to facilitate your valid requests. And when you look around for the right IRA administration firm, that means looking for the right reputation—a reputation that’s been earned through positive interactions with clients.

Interested in learning more about Self-Directed IRAs?  Contact American IRA, LLC at 866-7500-IRA (472) for a free consultation.  Download our free guide or visit us online at www.AmericanIRA.com.