Navigating the World of Buying Real Estate for Your Practice

In this episode of Therapy For Your Money, host Julie Herres, an accountant and the owner of Green Oak Accounting, explores the complex decision of buying real estate for therapy practice owners. She delves into the reasons for and against purchasing a building, embracing the principle that such a significant financial step should align with one's long-term goals rather than be influenced by the actions of peers. Julie discusses the upfront and ongoing financial commitments of owning versus renting, including the potential for higher expenses and the responsibility of repairs and property taxes. She highlights the importance of financial readiness, advising against the purchase if it jeopardizes the practice's financial health or if funds for the down payment would otherwise contribute to underfunded retirement savings. The episode also covers the nuanced differences between commercial and residential loans, the process and expectations for securing a commercial loan, and the strategic legal and tax implications of owning commercial real estate. Julie provides a thorough overview of the potential tax benefits and pitfalls, especially the impact of depreciation and depreciation recapture on future tax bills. She concludes by reflecting on the shifting landscape of commercial real estate, particularly post-2020, and its implications for practice owners considering this investment. Julie advises listeners to seek professional guidance tailored to their unique situation, as the episode contains general opinions on accounting and tax matters rather than personalized advice.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Welcome to Therapy For Your Money
• 00:49 The Big Decision: Buying Real Estate for Your Practice
• 02:12 Understanding the Financials: Costs, Equity, and Loans
• 07:24 Navigating the Loan Process for Commercial Real Estate
• 10:01 Legal and Tax Considerations When Buying a Building
• 15:03 The Future of Commercial Real Estate and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources

• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com
• Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com
• Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy