Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Lands Act of 2023

Church Real EstateAB 1307, Affordable Housing, California Legislation, Church Land, Land Use

Also known as Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), the Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act was enacted to facilitate the development of affordable housing on properties owned by religious organizations and higher education institutions. The intent is to streamline the approval process for affordable housing projects on such lands by providing “by-right” approval. Intent: Streamlining Approval for Affordable Housing on Faith and Education Lands A streamlined approval process for affordable housing developments on land owned by religious organizations and higher education institutions. This means that eligible projects meeting certain criteria […]

Why Use Bushore Church Real Estate

Church Real EstateCalifornia, Church property, Church Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Services

By way of an introduction, we are a father-and-son California Real Estate team, having offices in both northern and southern California, working nearly exclusively for and with churches with their real estate needs for over forty (40) years. We focus on nearly all matters concerning Church Real Estate, including religious, nonprofit, and tax-exempt organizations with the highest spiritual and ethical standards. Over decades of carving out a name for ourselves amongst church groups, we found a niche by locating and/or uniting church property buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. Along the way, […]

How to Sell Church Property

Church Real EstateAttorney General, Church for Sale, Nonprofit, Real Estate Transaction, Selling Church Property

How to sell church property requires careful planning. Assuming your congregation is incorporated and has decided that it’s time to sell your property, several steps need to be taken to make sure that endeavor is handled responsibly. This involved acting in the best interest of the congregation/corporation, the governing documents, and the applicable state laws. Learn more about nonprofit incorporation requirements from the California Secretary of State. Ownership dictates how to sell Church Property:Not all churches own their property, which is an important factor when you sell church property. Your […]

Churches and For-Profit Tenants

Church Real EstateCalifornia Revenue And Taxation Code, Church Exemption, Church Real Estate, Landlord, Organizational Clearance Certificate, Property tax, Religious Exemption, Tenant, Welfare Exemption

It often becomes necessary for a church to seek out tenants in order to meet the financial needs of the congregation. Some are happy to open their doors to other churches, while other desire schools or other groups to make better use of their facilities. Regardless of the approach, the type of tenant sought after can make a world of difference regarding your property taxes, especially if the tenant is a for-profit organization. The following is a brief overview and the proper professional should be consulted as the laws in […]

Commercial Tenant Abandoned Property California: What Churches and Landlords Must Know

Church Real EstateAbandoned, Church Real Estate, Disposal Of Abandoned Personal Property, Fixture, Personal Property, Trade Fixture

Commercial tenant abandoned property California issues arise frequently when a church tenant vacates the premises—whether at the end of the rental term or unexpectedly—and leaves items behind. In many cases, these belongings are simply forgotten and later retrieved once the tenant is notified. However, it is also common for a commercial tenant to intentionally leave property behind because they no longer want it or do not wish to move it. This raises an important legal question for churches and landlords: what obligations apply when a commercial tenant abandoned property California […]

Evicting Church Tenants

Church Real EstateChurch Real Estate, Commercial Tenant, Eviction, Landlord, Notice To Quit, Rental Agreement, Self-Help, Tenant, Unlawful Detainer

Unfortunately, it sometimes becomes necessary to evict a church tenant. This may result from failing to pay rent, or otherwise not abiding by the terms and conditions of the agreement. Regardless of the reason, the steps for a contested or necessary eviction are the same and must be followed precisely. An eviction or Unlawful Detainer of a church tenant follows the statutes set forth for a commercial tenancy which varies greatly from that of a residential tenancy. Please note that in California, it is the Sheriff’s department that does the […]

Removing Fixtures – from a church or otherwise

Church Real EstateAffixed To Land, Church Real Estate, Fixtures, Personal Property Tenant Improvements, Security Deposit, Tenant, Trade Fixture

When can a church tenant remove fixtures they installed? Guide to California fixture law, trade fixtures, and tenant improvements. Learn the three-part test courts use to determine if personal property has become a fixture, and how to protect your church with proper lease language.

Church Financing California – Loans, Bonds & Funding Options

Church Real EstateChurch Bond, Church Financing, Church Real Estate, Endowment, Seller Financing, Unsecured Loans

Guide to church financing options in California. Learn why most banks won’t lend to churches, and explore alternatives including secured loans, bridge loans, seller financing, church bonds, and endowment funding. We are not loan originators or brokers.

Security Deposits

Church Real EstateChurch Real Estate, default, key money, Landlord, Tenant

Commercial security deposits work differently than residential ones. Learn what California Civil Code §1950.7 allows landlords to deduct, and the deadlines for returning a tenant’s deposit.

Special Use Appraisals: Understanding Restricted Property Valuation

Church Real EstateAd Valorem Tax, Appraisal, Certified General Appraisal, Eminent Domain, Inverse Condemnation

Special use appraisals determine property value when a property’s use is restricted by zoning, nonprofit operations, or legal limitations, making accurate valuation essential. The California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers Practice Act defines an appraisal the act or process of developing an opinion of value for real property, and does not include an opinion given by a real estate licensee or engineer or land surveyor in the ordinary course of his or her business. The standards used within the appraisal profession are set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional […]

Category Archives: Church Real Estate