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7 Questions to Ask Before You Buy A Business

Posted by Kevin Freeman

Mon, Feb 02, 2015 @12:41 PM

You’re seriously considering buying a business.
It’s an exciting and sometimes stressful time. You’re ready to tackle your next challenge head-on and this new business may just be the biggest yet. But, before you get the process going, you need to ask yourself some pretty tough questions to make sure you’re really ready.

In order to help you better prepare for the purchase, answer the seven questions below. With a little insider knowledge and homework on your part, you’ll be on your way to a less stressful, more profitable and rewarding transaction.

 

1. Am I ready to be an entrepreneur?

This is the question most buyers ask themselves first and foremost. The answer to that question can be found by answering a few questions first:

• Am I tired of working for someone else?
• Shouldn’t I work for myself rather than make someone else rich?
• Do I want the freedom to make my own decisions and control my own destiny?

If you answered yes to these questions above, you are ready to take the next step towards owning your business.

 

2. Do I have the necessary funds for the down payment?

In order to purchase any business you will need a down payment. A down payment can range from $25,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the price of the business. A good rule of thumb is to figure on having at least 25% of the purchase price for a down payment. If only seller financing is available, 35% may be more realistic. Either way, it will be necessary to have funds ready and available when you make an offer to purchase a business.

 

3. Do I have 3 years of tax returns to use for financing?

Banks and private/seller financing will always require your personal financial documents to be examined before determining your ability to borrow funds for your business purchase. It is very important that you keep a file containing your tax returns, including all schedules, readily available upon request. Your tax returns will be the key tool when assessing your ability to borrow.

 

4. Have I checked my credit score?

Just like your tax returns, a bank or private financing source will want to check your credit to make sure you have the necessary credit history to repay the loan in a timely fashion. If your credit score is below 650 from any of the three (3) major credit bureaus, you might try to raise your score prior to applying for a business loan. Your credit score can be checked by going to www.experian.com.

 

5. Do I have a financial statement prepared for the broker?

A financial statement is a great tool to use when beginning the purchase process. It will be the one form that can be sent to your business broker, your banker, and to the seller when making an offer to purchase. Sellers like to consider things like net worth and liquidity when deciding which offer to accept.

 

6. Am I prepared to sign a buyer’s confidentiality agreement?

A confidentiality agreement or non-disclosure agreement is necessary to begin the search for a business to purchase. All prospective buyers will be required to sign one of these forms stating that they will not disclose any of the confidential or proprietary information that they receive. This confidentiality is paramount in the search process. However, the sharing of information with advisors such as accountants and lawyers is an acceptable practice and does not breach the confidentiality agreement.

 

7. Do I have an advisory team to assist with the transaction including a CPA, attorney, and financial planner?

Virtually every buyer is represented by a business broker to assist in the search for a business, an accountant to assist in the due diligence process, and an attorney to draw up and review the legal documents. Many buyers have business relationships with these types of professionals, but many times the advisors are not transaction-based. In the event that your accountant or attorney is not transaction-based, Stony Hill Business Brokers can refer several professionals from which you can choose.

 

At Stony Hill, we will provide you with answers like these and a lot more to help you prepare yourself to buy a business. With our consultative approach and knowledgeable background, Stony Hill Business Brokers is the partner every entrepreneur should have. Contact us today and one of our advisors will begin the process so you can begin the journey of buying your business with confidence.

Topics: Buying a Business

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Do you own your own business?

The US economy is driven by entrepreneurs - small and mid-market businesses, more than 20 million of them, many of them privately-owned. It is often difficult for owners to convert all of their hard work and ingenuity into an equity event. It is a complex and time-consuming process. Stony Hill Business Brokers has the experience and expertise to assist with selling a private business successfully.

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Is it time for a change?

All of the partners at Stony Hill Business Brokers have been entrepreneurs in private businesses and have had experience managing and selling their businesses. We understand the grind of running your own show and the uncertainty of getting the most value for the business.

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Are you looking for guidance?

We have particular experience with the small business market in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. We can provide advice on preparing a business for sale, even years in advance. We can help buyers find the right business for their circumstances. And we advise both sellers and buyers throughout the process to assure a quick, smooth transfer of ownership.
Do you own your own business?

The US economy is driven by entrepreneurs - small and mid-market businesses, more than 20 million of them, many of them privately owned. It is often difficult for owners to convert all their hard work and ingenuity into an equity event. It is a complex and time-consuming process. We understand the grind of running your own show and the uncertainty of getting the most value for the business. Stony Hill Advisors has the experience and expertise to assist with selling a private business successfully.
Are you looking for guidance?

We have experience in the small and mid-market business market with companies having revenues from $1M to $50M . We can provide advice on preparing a business for sale, even years in advance. We can help buyers find the right business for their circumstances. And we advise both sellers and buyers throughout the process to assure a quick, smooth transfer of ownership. In some instances, the parties to a transaction locate each other through informal industry or personal channels. These transactions include sales to unrelated third party acquirers, as well as management, family and partner buyouts. Stony Hill Advisors is frequently engaged to structure these transactions and navigate the many issues requiring attention from the initial stages to the consummation of the transaction. Often Stony Hill Advisors is engaged to provide Exit Value Planning to prepare a business for highest value when it is time to transition.

 
Are you interested in buying a business?

Stony Hill Advisors assists companies, entrepreneurs and corporate executives develop and execute customized acquisition strategies designed to result in successful acquisitions. We will find a unique business that is not necessarily “on the market”, resulting in a cost-effective acquisition.

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