Declining attendance, a mounting maintenance bill, and a building that no longer fits your ministry: these are the signs that raise the question of when should a church sell its property. Here’s how to read them honestly, and what to consider before you commit to a sale.
Church solar panels now qualify for a federal cash incentive through Direct Pay. Here’s what churches actually pay upfront, how that incentive changes the math, and the financing, billing, and property tax issues to plan around.
With Bushore Church Real Estate, you receive a full and experienced, in-house representation for all of your legal, corporate, and real property needs. Bushore Church Real Estate specializes in nearly all matters concerning Church Real Estate, including religious, nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations. We are a father and son California Real Estate team, having offices in […]
Cell tower lease buyouts for churches often trade short-term cash for a permanent easement — here’s what churches risk losing before signing
When a congregation winds down, one question dominates: what happens to church property when a church closes? California law is strict — the building and money can’t be handed to members. Here’s who decides, where the assets go, and the Attorney General’s role.
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 as their church real estate broker 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 […]
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials for its heat resistance and durability. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos is still present in many structures and is still used in some industrial processes and commercially available products. Cal/OSHA:The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health is a state agency responsible for ensuring workplace safety and health in California. Its primary mission is to promote and enforce occupational […]
Occasionally, we work with a church that has its private cemetery dedicated on its property and is looking to sell. Although not always the case, these cemeteries usually consist of cremated remains. Public vs. Private:Most people know a cemetery when they see one, but the California Health and Safety Code defines a Cemetery as either of the following: Ownership Transfers:When transferring ownership of a private cemetery, fifty percent or more, the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau in the Department of Consumer Affairs must be notified and provided with the name and […]
Renting the sanctuary for a wedding or running a garage sale can raise a real tax question for a church. Here’s how the incidental use of church property interacts with UBIT, and the exceptions that keep most church fundraisers tax-free.
