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Buyer's Guide

Business buyer's Guide

Buying a Business should be one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first-time Businessbuyer’s guide created by our team will reduce the stress of buying a Business and help you enjoy the journey.

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Step 1: Compile Your Wish List

Decide which communities, Business features, and property types you and your family prefer. Have candid conversations about which of these characteristics are required, and which are “nice to have” in your next Business.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Examine your current expenses and determine how they might change if you purchase a Business. Create a comprehensive household budget so you can factor in any new ongoing expenses that might come with a Business purchase, such as garbage and recycling, water, or Business owner’s association fees. Once you decide how these expenses will change, you’ll be better equipped to leverage the information you get in step three.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Prequalification is a great start for understanding your purchasing power, but it’s not the only factor. A lender may pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why the budget you compiled in step two is so important. The opposite can also happen, where you believe you can afford a certain payment every month, but the bank doesn’t agree. This often happens when you’re new to your job, have insufficient credit, or have bankruptcies or other financial issues in your history.

You’re not required to stick with this lender when you ultimately finance your purchase, but this process is a great way to vet mortgage providers. Also, a prequalification letter can make you a more competitive candidate in multiple-offer situations.

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Step 4: Choose Your Real Estate Experts

Now it’s time to find your dedicated real estate representative! Regulations enacted in 2024 require real estate agents to obtain a signed buyer’s agreement before showing consumers Business. Of course, we do a great deal more than opening up listings; we can help you understand your local market, identify areas and properties that fit your specific criteria, help you create competitive offers that match your financial and logistical needs, and much more.

Dedicated Service, Real Results

Finding the perfect Business and navigating the purchase process can be daunting. Leverage our knowledge and expertise and enjoy your personalized real estate journey.

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Step 5: Find the Right Business

Your agent will arrange showings of properties that meet your specific criteria and price range, taking note of your likes and dislikes to further refine their search parameters. They’ll help you explore the details — from storage to light switches to the flow of a Business— and understand the pros and cons of the options in front of you. They’ll also help you make time to explore the neighborhood and examine elements like local traffic at different times of the day, parking options, and proximity to neighborhood amenities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Finalize Your Financing

Once you’ve narrowed down your Business search, it’s time to go back to the mortgage provider who prequalified you in step three and obtain preapproval. With a property and purchase price in mind, your lender can get much more specific about your interest rate, monthly payments, the term of the loan, and special programs such as first-time Businessbuyer grants and loans through the VA and FHA. While you will primarily work with your bank to select the right options for you, we’re here to offer support and recommend mortgage providers we’ve worked with in the past if you get stuck.

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Step 7: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect Business and have your finances in order, your agent will help you craft a fair offer price based on the value of comparable Businesses on the market. You’ll also work through details such as timing, contingencies, and fees. After your agent submits the offer on your behalf, they will help you negotiate counteroffers and reach an agreement with the seller. At this point, the Business will go into escrow.

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Step 8: Have the Business Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on the Business passing inspection. This protects you from purchasing a property that has serious structural issues or requires major repairs. We have a list of trusted local providers, but you can hire any licensed Business inspector you like. If the inspection uncovers major issues, you can withdraw from the sale or renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed.

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Step 9: Obtain a Home Appraisal

The appraisal ensures that you are paying a fair price for the Business. Your mortgage provider will hire an appraiser to inspect the property and offer an independent opinion of its value. Sometimes, appraisals may come in too low, which can impact the amount of money the bank is willing to lend. In this case, your agent can help you determine next steps and navigate the appeal process.

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Step 10: Complete the Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork stacked up on the closing table, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company. And, when you’re finished, you’ll be the legal owner of your new Business.

Buyer's Questionnaire

Success Stories

"I have not only sent a good friend to Heather to find a franchise option that fits what he's looking for, but I've also worked with her clients on insurance requirements. She is top notch, and I know there are online options for everything these days, but nothing compares to a real (local) human that takes the time to evaluate your needs as a buyer or seller and acts swiftly and smartly for both!"
"I have not only sent a good friend to Heather to find a franchise option that fits what he's looking for, but I've also worked with her clients on insurance requirements. She is top notch, and I know there are online options for everything these days, but nothing compares to a real (local) human that takes the time to evaluate your needs as a buyer or seller and acts swiftly and smartly for both!"
Sarah W.
"Heather is an incredible business person. She goes above and beyond the call of duty when working with her clients. Her questions and understanding of your needs are top-notch. She is so knowledgeable, and without a doubt, she is the expert who provides you exactly what you are seeking."
"Heather is an incredible business person. She goes above and beyond the call of duty when working with her clients. Her questions and understanding of your needs are top-notch. She is so knowledgeable, and without a doubt, she is the expert who provides you exactly what you are seeking."
Debbie S.
"Heather is a Dream Maker! She is the best. I just retired from teaching for twenty years in elementary school. I had always dreamed of owning a boutique. Heather made my dream come true! "
"Heather is a Dream Maker! She is the best. I just retired from teaching for twenty years in elementary school. I had always dreamed of owning a boutique. Heather made my dream come true! "
Anne M.
"Heather is an amazing person to work with who is attentive to your needs. She goes above and beyond to help her clients. I’d highly recommend working with Meridian Business Advisors for your acquisition needs."
"Heather is an amazing person to work with who is attentive to your needs. She goes above and beyond to help her clients. I’d highly recommend working with Meridian Business Advisors for your acquisition needs."
Ervin C.
"Heather is a shrewd business woman, highly intelligent and exceptional to work with. She goes above and beyond to understand her clients and really wants to assist them in succeeding. I have referred several people to her and they have all had a positive experience."
"Heather is a shrewd business woman, highly intelligent and exceptional to work with. She goes above and beyond to understand her clients and really wants to assist them in succeeding. I have referred several people to her and they have all had a positive experience."
Donna D.
"Heather was instrumental in selling my practice and structuring a complex transaction. I originally had no success trying to sell my practice with a different firm. My business coach had highly recommended Meridian Business Advisors and knew Heather was the best broker for my needs. I enjoyed working with her and know she had my interests at heart."
"Heather was instrumental in selling my practice and structuring a complex transaction. I originally had no success trying to sell my practice with a different firm. My business coach had highly recommended Meridian Business Advisors and knew Heather was the best broker for my needs. I enjoyed working with her and know she had my interests at heart."
Dr. Jackson
"The team at Meridian Business Advisors has been guiding and connecting me with the best resources to get my business up and running. Highly recommended if you don't know where to turn next!"
"The team at Meridian Business Advisors has been guiding and connecting me with the best resources to get my business up and running. Highly recommended if you don't know where to turn next!"
Dylan K.
"Heather is a top-notch business expert. She helped us by really getting to know us and finding the perfect HVAC business. Not only is she knowledgeable about various business models she is also an expert on finding the ones that are perfect for veterans, like my husband. She has proven herself to be an invaluable resource of information. She walked us through the process step by step. You can't find a more trustworthy business advisor!"
"Heather is a top-notch business expert. She helped us by really getting to know us and finding the perfect HVAC business. Not only is she knowledgeable about various business models she is also an expert on finding the ones that are perfect for veterans, like my husband. She has proven herself to be an invaluable resource of information. She walked us through the process step by step. You can't find a more trustworthy business advisor!"
Melissa T.
"If you are looking to start, buy, or sell a business, Heather is your trusted resource. She puts her clients first and goes the extra mile. I highly recommend working with Meridian"
"If you are looking to start, buy, or sell a business, Heather is your trusted resource. She puts her clients first and goes the extra mile. I highly recommend working with Meridian"
Rachelle S.
"Meridian Business Advisors was instrumental in negotiating a major deal for one of the top electrical contractors in the Southeastern USA. We were extremely happy with the results. "
"Meridian Business Advisors was instrumental in negotiating a major deal for one of the top electrical contractors in the Southeastern USA. We were extremely happy with the results. "
Brent D.

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