Case Study
Cell Tower on Church Property: How a Sacramento Church Funded New Projects
Pastor Bill Always Has His Church And Community At The Center Of His Priorities
This case study shows how The Valley Community Church in Sacramento turned the lease on a cell tower on church property into a lump-sum payment from Symphony Towers Infrastructure, even after the carrier cut the rent by 10% before closing.
Pastor Bill, President and Senior Pastor of The Valley Community Church in Sacramento, California, always has his church and community at the center of his priorities. In years past, the church had found significant revenue from the multiple cellular towers on its property, selling off some, building new, and acquiring new carrier leases. In late March, Pastor Bill received a call from Isaac at Symphony Towers Infrastructure about a decommissioned cellular site on a property owned by the church.
Although the tower was decommissioned, a telecom carrier had recently sent a proposal to the church to engage in a new cellular tower lease. Isaac advised Pastor Bill on the value of his tower, how that should be reflected in the monthly payments and gave him insight on the telecom carrier’s process when it comes to approving tower sales that involve their sites.
At a glance
- Owner: The Valley Community Church, Sacramento, California
- Site: A decommissioned cell tower on church property, with a new carrier proposal
- Challenge: A higher competing offer, then a 10% carrier rent cut before closing
- Result: A lump-sum payment from Symphony Towers, with the rent cut already priced in
- Funds used for: A church hall kitchen renovation, youth group day trips and a children’s library
An Industry Expert For An Industry Opportunity
The Pastor informed Isaac that, due to a higher offer, the church had planned to re-commission the tower and transact with a different group of cellular tower lease buyers. Isaac mentioned that the contending offer was high, and to be prepared for the group to come back with a lower offer due to the rent reduction before the deal closed. Pastor Bill and Isaac left their conversation open-ended, with the possibility of reconnection in the future.
Isaac’s honesty and transparency shone through as the insights he shared played out as he said it would. The telecom carrier levied a 10% rent reduction, the contending offer came down to reflect the price, and Pastor Bill knew exactly who to call. Isaac explained to the Pastor that this reduction is often seen in our frequent transactions with this particular telecom carrier. This was already factored into the quote he had given Pastor Bill from Symphony Towers. It is one reason cell site lease income is hard to value without industry experience.
Cellular carriers hold specific power over the sale of leases and towers, ranging from “Right of First Refusal” to “Preferred Vendors” and more. Symphony Towers has acquired, manages or markets more than 3,000 wireless assets in the United States and has long-standing relationships with cellular carrier companies. This industry knowledge benefits cellular site owners in the negotiation process.
Specifically, this meant a 10% rent reduction proposed by the telecom carrier upon the sale and transfer of the tower.
How the Lump Sum Benefited the Church and Its Community
Following the closing, Pastor Bill was thrilled to announce to his congregation that the church would be receiving almost $500,000 in funds from Symphony Towers.
Thanks to the decision to sell the cellular tower lease, The Valley Community Church staff was able to complete a full renovation of the kitchen in their church hall where they hold community events and fundraisers. The Youth Group Leader was able to organize a series of day trips. Finally, the Director of Children’s Programs was able to purchase a small library of books for all to enjoy. Other nonprofits have done the same; see how a college funded long-overdue projects.
Does your church have a cell tower on its property? Find out what your lease is worth. Get a Free Lease Review
What Can You Do To Learn Where You Stack Up and if You Are Missing Out on Opportunities To Protect or Better Grow Your Rent?
Partner with an expert. We at Symphony Towers have been in the wireless industry for decades and are leading investors in cell site leases across the country. It is our business to know the value and risk profile of cell sites. We will assess your site for current risk and future potential value and come up with a plan that best suits your interests or needs. Our assessment should help provide you with a reliable view as to how your site fits in with the expected future of the cell site grid. And it just might be the opportunity you were looking for to capitalize on your cell site rent stream. Learn more about a church cell tower lease buyout, or read what drives the value of a cell tower lease.
Church Cell Tower Lease FAQs
Can a church have a cell tower on its property?
Yes. Many churches lease land or rooftop space to carriers and tower companies, often because steeples and church grounds sit where networks need coverage. The church keeps ownership of the property and receives monthly rent under the lease.
Can a church turn its cell tower lease into a lump sum?
Yes. Through a church cell tower lease buyout, the church receives one payment today for the future rent, while keeping its property. Churches often use the funds for building repairs, ministry programs or community projects, as The Valley Community Church did.
What happens if the carrier lowers the rent before a buyout closes?
Some carriers reduce rent when a lease is transferred, which can lower the final offer. An experienced buyer will factor that into the original quote. In this case, Symphony Towers had already priced in the 10% reduction, while the competing offer dropped.
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