<p>On the CSS profile, there is a section for "investments" under Parents' Assets. My parents buy/sell/rent out real estate. However, the mortgages were borrowed under their own names instead of their business, so the properties are as well. As a result, on the question "What is the total current market value of your parents' real estate other than their home?" and subsequent ones regarding my parents' assets, those properties were factored in. I'm wondering whether this action was incorrect because I'm not sure if the question meant something different (like owning a summer home) from what we thought it was (my family's real estate purchases to sell or rent out). Should the values be shifted and placed under Parents' Business? I already filled out the CSS profile and submitted it to a college (they had a really early deadline for EA), so any corrections would mean that I contact the financial aid offices directly. The reason why I am inquiring now is because the unofficial reply from said college seems to be a tad low. Maybe it's just my perspective on the situation, but I think that my family's financial situation calls for a bit more. As a result, I would just like some clarification because the wording of those questions make me paranoid that my family had entered the stuff in the wrong spot, increasing the EFC. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I’m not sure the answer to your question. But I will say…for folks owning rental properties, the properties are an asset (the equity in them) and the rents are income. This would be in addition to any other income your parents have.</p>
<p>Even if it was supposed to go in the business area of the CSS Profile, I doubt it would make much difference in your EFC. In both cases, the rental property is an asset. You can always call the financial aid office, and ask them. You will be expected to update and verify with this year’s numbers anyway. They are in a position to give you definitive answer, while those of us here can only give you our best guess.</p>