SBA Lenders Offer Advice on Getting Loans Approved

If you want to get an SBA loan to buy or sell a business, get the information to lenders early, be honest up front about potential problems, and expect to pledge assets, including a home, to secure the loan. That advice highlighted the presentation by veteran SBA lenders to the Georgia Association of Business Brokers on April 26. Bob … [Read more...]

Six Ways Business Brokers Can Avoid Litigation

GABB member Lawrence Domenico, an experienced litigator, spoke to the Georgia Association of Business Brokers about how you can avoid litigation. Here's what he had to say: For you guys as Business Brokers, it almost always is better to avoid litigation if you can. Courts and Arbitration proceedings take a long time to complete and lawyers are … [Read more...]

Don’t Want to Get Sued? Come to GABB on Tuesday, Feb. 23

Lawrence Domenico is the kind of lawyer you hire when you litigate, or sue someone. And he's represented a lot of Georgia business brokers in disputes over the years. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Larry will offer advice worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to members of the Georgia Association of Business Brokers and their guests. Namely, how … [Read more...]

A Buyer’s Quandary

Statistics reveal that out of about 15 would-be business buyers, only one will actually buy a business. It is important that potential sellers be knowledgeable on what buyers go through to actually become business owners. This is especially true for those who have started their own business or have forgotten what they went thorough prior to buying … [Read more...]

Top GABB Brokers in Oct. 27 Expert Panel

A panel of some of GABB's most active and successful members highlighted the Oct. 27 GABB meeting. The panelists discussed issues that came up during or after due diligence that created a potential problem in getting the deal closed and how those issues were resolved. GABB President Greg DeFoor moderated the panel. Listen to a recording of the … [Read more...]

Nine Steps to Better Due Diligence, Closing Deals

Third in a series on Business Brokering Buyer and seller strike a deal, but a thorough due diligence and either seal or sink that deal. Georgia Association of Business Brokers Vice President Mike Ramatowski moderated a panel discussion at the July meeting on getting buyers and sellers through due diligence and to the closing table. … [Read more...]

Georgia Business Brokers Discuss Working With Buyers and Sellers

The collective wisdom of four brokers with 75 years experience was on stage Tuesday, June 30, as the Georgia Association of Business Brokers hosted a panel discussion on how to move buyers and sellers to the closing table. Moderated by GABB Vice President Mike Ramatowski, the panel featured GABB Treasurer Jay Fenello, who specializes in helping … [Read more...]

Overcoming Five Buyer Objections to SBA Loans

By Susan Kite, Vice President, Signature Bank of Georgia, and Kim Eells, Vice President, The Brand Bank   I.        “This deal costs too much; I can’t get it financed.” SBA 7a Loans are guaranteed by the US Government, giving banks a higher comfort level to make a loan they may have denied as a conventional loan. SBA loan terms can be … [Read more...]

Questions Business Owners Ask & Answers I Give Them

Questions Business Owners Ask & Answers I Give Them Veteran business broker Loren Marc Schmerler, a member of the board of the Georgia Association of Business Brokers and president of Bottom Line Management, Inc., offers his advice for answering common questions asked by business owners. How much is my business worth? The correct answer … [Read more...]

Family Businesses

A recent study revealed that only about 28 percent of family businesses have developed a succession plan. Here are a few tips for family-owned businesses to ponder when considering selling the business: You may have to consider a lower price if maintaining jobs for family members is important. Make sure that your legal and accounting … [Read more...]