Inside ShindelRock’s Real Estate Practice: Trusted Advisors Guiding Clients Through Complex Decisions
At ShindelRock, our Real Estate practice goes far beyond preparing tax returns. It’s about building trust, advising clients through complex financial decisions, and helping them thrive in an ever-changing industry. We sat down with two of our team members, Amanda Sayn and Keith Kingston, to hear what makes this work so meaningful and how their team stands apart.
Proud to Make an Impact
For Amanda, the most rewarding part of her work is the ability to serve as a true partner to her clients.
“I’m proud to work with my clients—not just to prepare tax returns, but to help them prepare budgets, evaluate opportunities, and see their businesses thrive. Becoming a trusted advisor that clients know will pick up the phone when they have a question allows them to make informed decisions throughout the year.”
Keith echoed this sentiment, noting that his work is centered on strategy and problem-solving.
“I enjoy working with clients as part of their advisory team, helping them strategize ways to optimize deductions and find the most tax-efficient paths for their real estate deals. Whether it’s categorizing depreciation, financing a property, or weighing the tax consequences of selling, I want clients to be prepared for any scenario.”
What Sets ShindelRock Apart
At ShindelRock, Real Estate advisory is not just about compliance—it’s about looking at the bigger picture. Amanda explained that the team considers the client’s entire business and ownership structure, not just the isolated tax issues.
“We work with clients to determine if a cost segregation study is necessary, or if a Section 1031 exchange could be beneficial when selling a commercial building. Our role is to be a trusted advisor, guiding business decisions beyond the return itself.”
Keith emphasized the relational side of their work.
“It all starts with trust. Building strong client relationships allows us to provide the insights and confidence our clients need.”
Surprising Aspects of Real Estate Tax
Real Estate tax is often more complex than people realize. Amanda pointed out the wide variation in requirements across states.
“Each state has different reporting rules. Some require periodic sales tax returns on rental income, while others include CAM income as rental income. In some states, even a single-member LLC may have to file independently of its owner. These differences can catch people off guard.”
Keith highlighted another lesser-known concept: phantom income.
“Many clients don’t initially understand the difference between cash flow and taxable income. For example, when a building is fully depreciated, you may no longer get the tax benefits, even though the property is still generating cash flow. Educating clients on these complexities is an important part of what we do.”
A Collaborative Team
To conclude, both Amanda and Keith stressed how collaboration fuels their success. Amanda shared how the team ensures that nothing slips through the cracks:
“We’re constantly in conversation with our tax team to make sure state-specific requirements are met, and we work closely with owners, management, and bookkeeping teams to avoid year-end surprises.”
Keith added that collective expertise strengthens the team’s approach.
“Everyone here has real estate experience and brings unique insights. We’re more than tax preparers—we’re consultants who help clients think strategically about their real estate portfolios.”
More Than Tax Advisors
At ShindelRock, Real Estate clients don’t just get compliance services; they gain a team of trusted advisors who understand the complexities of the field and provide guidance every step of the way. If you’re navigating real estate challenges and need trusted guidance, contact ShindelRock today.