Only one property - Can DBA end with the plural "Investments"

[Shane Moss]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this forum (my first post) and new to investing in real estate. I'll have many questions soon, but I'd like to ask a simple one first.

I'm on the cusp of acquiring my first property with a closing date in May. I need to establish a fictitious business name, as I'm planning on creating an LLC and renting the property.

My question is this: Can you have a DBA that ends with the plural word "investment(s)"? I know there are some rules when establishing a DBA regarding the misleading of a customer. Since I will only have 1 property, at least for now, is there a problem with the plural usage?

Thanks!

[Mitch Kronowit]

Your state should have guidelines on business names. For example, you generally cannot use the words "Bank" or "Insurance" in the name unless licensed to conduct business in those fields. Nor can you use government-sounding names like "Department" or "Agency".

I don't think "Investments" is a restricted word, at least not in California, but you should check with your Secretary of State's office. Using the plural form shouldn't matter if you only have one property. Remember, your LLC will have to have it's own bank account. That's an investment too!

Here is a copy of California business naming restrictions and guidelines: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/forms/name-guidelines-restrictions.pdf

I'm sure your state follows something similar.