When selling a business, one of the most overlooked questions is what to do with the real estate. Whether it's an office building, a warehouse, or a portfolio of locations, the decision to sell or keep the property can have significant tax, cash flow, and long-term wealth implications. And while many owners assume the real estate sale should go hand-in-hand with the business sale, that's not always the best strategy.

The decision to sell a business often focuses on valuation, timing, and finding the right buyer. But behind the scenes, one of the biggest factors in what you keep after the sale is how the deal is structured from a tax perspective.

When you're selling a business, the most important decisions are ones most owners have never had to think about before.

What’s the best way to pay myself now that the business is no longer there?

It’s a question many owners ask after a sale. For years, income came from salary, distributions, or quarterly bonuses tied to the business. Now that structure is gone, and even with liquidity in place, the absence of steady cash flow can feel unsettling.

Creating a personal income plan that provides stability, tax efficiency, and long-term flexibility is essential.