FAQs for Buyers

Transactions handled by Results Business Advisors are held parties. We require that a prospective buyer review and sign a non-disclosure statement outlining their responsibility in having access to a seller’s confidential information. This occurs before any detailed information concerning a specific opportunity is released. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of the business sale.

We understand that public knowledge of a potential sale can affect the attitudes and actions of customers, employees, competitors, lenders, suppliers, or investors and, thus, the company’s value. We also want to safeguard the employment status of a potential buyer while he considers a fundamental change for his future. Go to our Confidentiality Page for more information.

It may take more money than time to buy a business. It takes more time than money to start one. The break-even point for buying versus starting a business is the cost to purchase equipment, rent a space, pay a staff, pay for advertising, establish contractual relationships, and support yourself while building a customer base.

If you buy an established business, you have an income from the day you take over. You already know what can be accomplished by the business. If you start a business, you need more certainty over the success and desirability of your product or service. Buying a business takes a lot of the risk out of your decision.

Most businesses sell for one-third to one-half down. The remainder is financed by the seller, by a bank, or through family resources. Sellers generally prefer to receive all cash at closing, and some buyers can accommodate them. However, buyers usually try to get the most bang for their buck and will want to leverage their down payment into the largest business they can buy.

Some buyers may want to make a no-money or low-money, down offer; they will rarely succeed. Usually, a business cannot earn enough to pay a salary to the owner and service such a level of debt. In addition, the lender, whether the seller or a bank, wants the buyer to show his commitment to the business by having a vested financial interest in its success.

Seller financing is usually the cheapest and easiest to obtain. It also tells the buyer that the seller has confidence in the business. There are no loan fees, and the interest rate is usually lower than the bank rates, but the loan term is often shorter. Seller notes make up the majority of buyer financing. Most businesses sell for one-third to one-half down. The remainder is financed by the seller, by a bank, or through family resources.

Sellers generally prefer to receive all cash at closing, and some buyers can accommodate them. However, buyers usually try to get the most bang for their buck and will want to leverage their down payment into the largest business they can buy. Although buyers may wish to make a no-money or low-money down offer, they will rarely succeed. Usually, a business cannot earn enough to pay a salary to the owner and service such a level of debt. In addition, the lender, whether the seller or a bank, wants the buyer to show his commitment to the business by having a vested financial interest in its success.

Banks will loan money to businesses that show a strong earnings history on their tax returns. They require much documentation and the payment of upfront fees. In recent years, bank loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration have become very popular and more readily available. If all else fails, family is always an option.

Seller financing is usually the cheapest and easiest to obtain. It also tells the buyer that the seller has confidence in the business. There are no loan fees and the interest rate is usually lower than the bank rates, but the term of the loan is often shorter. Seller notes make up the majority of buyer financing. Most businesses sell for one-third to one-half down. The remainder is financed by the seller, by a bank or through family resources.

Sellers generally prefer to receive all cash at closing, and some buyers are able and willing to accommodate them. However, buyers are usually trying to get the most bang for their buck and will want to leverage their down payment into the largest business that they can buy. Although, buyers may want to make a no-money or low-money down offer, it is very rare that they will succeed. Usually a business cannot earn enough to pay salary to he owner and service such a level of debt. In addition, the lender, whether it is the seller or a bank, wants the buyer to show his commitment to the business by having a vested financial interest in its success.

Banks will loan money on businesses that show a strong earnings history on the tax returns. They require a lot of documentations and the payment of upfront fees. In recent years, bank loans, which are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, have become very popular and more readily available. If all else fails, family is always an option.

It usually takes longer to sell a business than a house or a commercial building. Because of the confidential nature of a business sale, a business broker cannot put a For Sale sign on the window. The average time to sell a business is usually between six to eighteen months. However, there are exceptions.

Some businesses may sell within a month of being put on the market. It may take several years to attract the right buyer. A business broker seeks out and talks to buyers every day. The next one is right for a particular business.

Results Business Advisors uses various vehicles to market and advertise a seller’s business in the most confidential and discreet method possible. At Results Business Advisors, we realize the sensitivity of this issue and work diligently to protect the seller’s employees and vendors from knowing that their business is for sale.

Some businesses may sell within a month of being put on the market. Others may take several years to attract the right buyer. A business broker seeks out and talks to buyers every day. The next one is right for a particular business.