How to Sell Church Building for Cash In Massachusetts

Published on June 25th, 2023

Selling a church building is a process that can be very complicated. However, knowing what to expect and having the right guidance can also be a very rewarding experience. Selling church property or other church buildings will require a deep knowledge of not only typical real estate transactions but the ins and outs of selling church property, which is different than typical real estate sales.

Many church sales are sold as cash properties to market buyers due to their unique nature. Throughout this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about selling church properties and how to sell church owned property for cash.

Decide if You Can Sell Your Church In Massachusetts

Many churches are owned by a body, church leaders, or church members. Autonomous or independent churches can sell church property without approval from church leaders; however, churches that belong to a denomination or other nonprofit organizations must seek prior approval before selling a church or other specialized buildings, even if the congregation can no longer afford the building due to a bleak financial situation.

Work with an Experience Church Real Estate Agent In Massachusetts

As a religious organization, you can still work with a real estate agent. A real estate agent well versed in selling churches and other similar properties, including other churches, will be invaluable as you sell your church, not only to you but to the congregation members.

A realtor will help you navigate the tax implications of a sale, understand closing costs, deal with the title company, and the due diligence process. Your realtor will also help you look for a new church building or other new building in your community with the money from your proceeds from the real estate transaction.

Know What Your Church's Physical Property is Worth In Massachusetts

The first step to selling a church building for cash is determining the value of your church and your short-term objectives in selling the church. This can be done by starting a long-term vision plan, researching comparable sales, and contacting an appraiser who specializes in church properties. If you are able to get ahold of sales records from other churches that have sold recently, this will help give you an idea of what might be reasonable for yours.

Once you know what your property is worth, it's time to start looking at deed restrictions and other paperwork that may be involved in the sale of your property.

Understanding the Deed Restrictions on Church Buildings In Massachusetts

Deed restrictions are legal documents that limit what can be done with the property. They can be used to protect the church's interest in the property, and they can also be used to protect the community's interest in it.

As a non-profit organization, churches have special considerations when it comes to selling properties. They're not allowed to profit from the sale of their buildings and must use the money for religious purposes only.

The process of selling church properties can be a daunting one, but it doesn't have to be with the right help. If you have an idea of what you want out of your sale and are willing to do some research ahead of time, then there's no reason why you won't find success!