Sister Wives star Kody Brown faced a major shake-up when his wives Christine, Janelle, and Meri ended their spiritual marriages. The emotional pain was clear. However, some believe Kody’s anger came not just from rejection but also from financial worries.
The Breaking Point
The Brown family’s financial struggles have reached a boiling point, fueled by Cody Brown’s questionable investment strategies and the departure of three of his wives. The owners of their rental house have decided to sell, pushing the Browns into an even tighter corner. Cody faces the prospect of relocating to a double-wide trailer on the property alone, as tensions rise within the family.
Loss of Income and Control
Cody Brown has lost 75% of his income following the exits of three wives from the “Sister Wives” show. Each wife now demands their own payment from TLC, leaving Cody without access to the family fund where the show’s earnings were deposited. This loss of financial control has significantly impacted Cody’s ability to manage the family’s various properties.
The Coyote Pass Conundrum
Cody’s real estate woes are compounded by the issues surrounding the Coyote Pass property. The land, purchased as an investment, cannot be developed for primary residences due to restrictive covenants. This means Cody cannot sell the property without incurring significant capital gains taxes, as any profit made on the investment would be heavily taxed.
Cody’s attempt to subdivide the property was likely an effort to secure some equity for himself, as he is not the sole owner of any parcel. The titles are jointly held with his wives, complicating any potential sales and further entangling the family in financial and legal knots.
Tax Troubles
Cody’s investment in raw land has backfired. If he were to sell the property, he would face substantial capital gains taxes, which could take a considerable chunk out of any profit. His aversion to paying taxes has left him stuck with the property, unable to sell without significant financial loss. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that he cannot build on the land, rendering it a “lemon” of an investment.
The Robin Dilemma
In 2019, when Cody and Robin’s rental home was put up for sale, Cody insisted on buying a house despite the availability of rental options. This decision was driven by his need to reinvest the equity from their Las Vegas properties to avoid capital gains taxes. The sale of their Vegas homes and the pressure to buy a new home led to a significant financial strain.
Cody used the proceeds from the sale of Robin’s home, along with funds from his other wives, to make a down payment on their current house. This has left Janelle out of pocket, as she contributed to the down payment but has not been reimbursed.
A House of Cards
Cody and Robin’s financial situation is precarious. They likely cannot refinance their home to access equity, as Cody’s income has plummeted with the departure of his wives. This leaves them “house poor,” unable to liquidate assets to settle debts or buy out the other wives’ shares of the property.
The Fallout
Cody’s financial mismanagement has left him and Robin in a dire situation, with little liquidity and substantial financial obligations. Meanwhile, the other wives are in relatively better positions. Janelle, Mary, and Christine have avoided overextending themselves and have managed to secure their own financial stability.
