Seller financing is perhaps one of the simplest–and best–ways to finance the acquisition of a business. This means that the business buyer works hand-in-hand with the seller.
The seller’s willingness to participate will be influenced by his or her own requirements: tax considerations as well as cash needs.
In some instances, sellers are virtually forced to finance the sale of their own business in order to keep the deal from falling through. Many sellers, however, actively prefer to do the financing themselves. Doing so not only can increase the chances for a successful sale, but can also be helpful in obtaining the best possible price.
The terms offered by sellers are usually more flexible and more agreeable to the buyer than those from a third-party lender. Sellers will typically finance 30 to 50 percent–or more–of the selling price, with an interest rate below current bank rates and with a far longer amortization. The terms will usually have scheduled payments similar to conventional loans. The tax picture, however, can be better than with straight debt.
As with buyer-equity financing, seller financing can make the business more attractive and viable to other lenders. In fact, sometimes outside lenders will refuse to participate unless a large chunk of seller financing is already in place.
Tags: Business Purchase, Financing, Seller, Seller Financing