--- title: Choosing the Best Bank for Your Real Estate Law Firm description: Partnering with the right bank for your real estate law practice fosters long-term relationships, financial stability, and access to capital when needed. image: https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-719663358.jpg --- ![icon-phone](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-469552994-png/images/icon-phone.png)508-533-5700 **Call today to book your appointment!** [![Ann M. Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-480654324-png/images/circle-logo4.png?width=630&height=168&name=circle-logo4.png "Ann M. Irons")](https://www.ironscpa.com/) Hopkinton MA, CPA [Contact](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Ann+M.+Irons,+CPA,+17+Main+St+Suite+1,+Hopkinton,+MA+01748/@42.2283595,-71.5220826,17.25z/data=!3m1!5s0x89e470559903948b:0xba338aa31b2a0f29!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e46e7ca0d1d73b:0x531938b62807ebe1!2m2!1d-71.5200665!2d42.2284497!3e0?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) [![facebook](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/file-811720473-png/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/AnnIronsCPA?ref=br_tf)[![LinkdIn](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817405565.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ann-m-irons-cpa-llc)[![twitter](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-817410620.png)](https://twitter.com/AnnMIronsCPALLC) # The Bean Counter with Ann M Irons, CPA --- [![Tax Year 2024 Business/Individual Tax Returns](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/332864/aef2b35b-07b9-4f4e-be11-0410ebf842de) --- ## [Choosing the Best Bank for Your Real Estate Law Firm](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/choosing-the-best-bank-for-your-real-estate-law-firm) Posted by [Ann Irons, CPA](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/author/ann-irons-cpa) May 8, 2014 11:49:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![real-estate-banker](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hub/332864/file-719663358.jpg?width=210&name=file-719663358.jpg)In any business, relationships are everything. For a legal professional specializing in real estate law, some of the most important relationships aren’t necessarily the ones that generate profits. Establishing a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship with a bank or other lender offers financial stability and the ability to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. [Ann Irons](https://www.ironscpa.com/accounting-services-for-real-estate-attorneys), a CPA, explains how **real estate lawyers in Bellingham, MA** can foster healthy relationships with financial institutions. ## Ask the Right Questions Each practice has different needs, just as each lender has different policies and specialties. Choosing a financial institution *as a business *requires you to look for different services and benefits than you might consider when choosing a bank for, say, a personal checking account. As you compare your options, keep the following questions in mind: - Does the institution employ a banker who understands the unique needs of a law firm? - Is there a possibility that the bank could also serve as a source of referrals, i.e. Does the bank provide services affecting real estate transactions, such as mortgages or new home loans? - How flexible are interest rates? - Can I make deposits after business hours? - Does the bank handle IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts)? ## Line of Credit Considerations Think of a line of credit as a proving grounds for the lender-lawyer relationship, especially in a newly established practice. At some point, even a thriving real estate law firm finds itself in need of extra cash, whether for an expansion, new computer equipment or office furnishings, or following an unforeseen obstacle. Your goal will be to borrow as little as possible, paying the lowest interest rate possible. The best way to achieve this is by having a solid, established relationship with your bank. Otherwise, you may find yourself resorting to using lenders who charge exorbitant rates as a form of insurance against potential defaults. ## Maintaining a Separate Operating Account It’s tempting to use a single account for personal and professional financial transactions. Resist the temptation, advises Irons, who offers tax return preparation services. You can use the same institution for both types of accounts, but keep the two separate. Nothing raises a red flag at the IRS more than questionable deductions and transactions. If you’re concerned about your ability to maintain financial records for your practice, consider outsourcing your [bookkeeping ](https://www.ironscpa.com/bookkeeping)and accounting to a Massachusetts CPA and [tax professional](https://www.ironscpa.com/tax-preparation). **Need Bellingham, MA accounting or bookkeeping services for your real estate law practice? **To learn more about our financial services, or to schedule a consultation with [Ann Irons, CPA, LLC](https://www.ironscpa.com/about-the-company), [contact](https://www.ironscpa.com/contact-us) us at 508-966-0700. Our team provides financial reporting, tax preparation, and investment advice for businesses and individuals in Bellingham, Medford, Woonsocket, Boston, and the surrounding areas. Topics: [Small Business Accounting](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-accounting) ## About **Ann M. Irons, CPA LLC** ![Ann](https://www.ironscpa.com/hubfs/images/Ann.jpg)Ann has spent over 25 years in the financial service industry, gaining knowledge and experience that allows her to provide an array of tax, and accounting and advisory services for her clients. Relying on a stringent code of ethics and a dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards, Ann works hard to ensure her clients receive the quality service they’ve come to expect. A member of AICPA and MSCPA, Ann has also had an article featured in the renowned publication, Banker and Tradesman.  ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search by Topic Search ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Small Business Accounting (24)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-accounting) - [Individual Income Taxes (18)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/individual-income-taxes) - [International Tax (17)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/international-tax) - [Accounting for Lawyers (11)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/accounting-for-lawyers) - [Escrow Accounting (10)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/escrow-accounting) - [Foreign Investment Tax (8)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/foreign-investment-tax) - [Family Business (6)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/family-business) - [Bookkeeping (5)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/bookkeeping) - [Personal Finance (4)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Client Stories (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/client-stories) - [Payroll Processing (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/payroll-processing) - [Small Business Tax (3)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/small-business-tax) - [Starting Your Own Law Firm (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/starting-your-own-law-firm) - [Words of Wisdom (1)](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/topic/words-of-wisdom) [see all](https://www.ironscpa.com/blog/choosing-the-best-bank-for-your-real-estate-law-firm#) ## Inviting You to Visit Our Office! Please call us at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation. We look forward to meeting you, and determining how we can best serve you. ![Map Irons CPA Hopkinton](https://www.ironscpa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png?width=305&height=167&name=Map%20Irons%20CPA%20Hopkinton.png)   ### OUR LOCATION: 17 Main Street, Suite 1 Hopkinton, MA 01748 Phone: 508-533-5700 Fax: 888-922-2242 ## About Ann M. 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