In this episode of the Apex Business Advisors podcast, Andy and Doug discuss the difference between good and bad seller financing, why bank scrutiny and rising interest rates make seller financing more relevant, and how creative deal structures can help transactions close.

Topics covered: unbankable businesses, dirty books and ad-backs, the impact of interest-rate changes on debt service and buyer affordability, structuring seller carry (partial financing, balloons, amortization), and how sellers can earn attractive returns by financing deals.

Episode featuring returning guest Valerie Vaughn, premier and award-winning business broker, discussing a seven-year succession plan where parents prepared to sell their established business to their son. Topics include team-based planning with a wealth manager, accountant, and attorney; preparing the company for sale; SBA lending and financing hurdles; and the son’s transition from top salesperson to owner (including getting a contractor’s license).

Key points: the value of long-term planning and objective valuation, operational changes that doubled company value, family dynamics and intermediaries’ roles, lender interactions and timing challenges, and the successful closing and lessons for business owners considering internal or third-party exits.

Today, we're talking "seller limbo"—the anxious stretch after an offer when financing, appraisals, and bank underwriting seem to stall a business sale. We discuss real examples, SBA rule impacts, equipment appraisal problems, banks’ increased scrutiny, and the growing role of seller financing and higher buyer down payments.

On this episode of the Apex Business Advisors Podcast we discuss one of Apex’s core value—"success is not accidental." Andy and Doug walk listeners through the practical and psychological challenges that arise in buying and selling businesses. 

Topics covered include common transaction roadblocks, lender expectations (EIN, operating agreements, closing checklists), timelines and typical delays, and the importance of buyer readiness and organization. The hosts explain how advisors help remove obstacles while requiring buyers and sellers to take responsibility for key tasks.

Key points emphasize mindset—staying positive, collaborating as a team, knowledge transfer from seller to buyer—and real examples of process hiccups (appraisers, underwriting timelines). Listeners will learn what to expect, what to prepare before financing, and how to keep deals moving toward a successful close.

Today we explore how buyers and sellers can move from constant negotiation to a collaborative team during due diligence, closing and the post-close transition. Topics include ride-alongs to build rapport, prepping buyers for lender interviews, common attorney roadblocks, and why engagement and transition planning matter.

Key takeaways: foster trust through joint communication and shared goals, coach buyers before lender interviews, vet attorneys early to avoid delays, and create a clear training/employee-transition plan to ensure day-one success.

Today we're talking about the evolving world of business lending resulting from the recent SOP changes by the SBA. Effective since June 1st, the banks are trying to re-define their lending criteria, particularly in the wake of economic uncertainty. The conversation covers how debt coverage ratios are pivotal in lending decisions and how banks are now scrutinizing buyer backgrounds and financial strength more than ever.

Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this episode provides essential tips on navigating the lending landscape, understanding the role of SBA lenders, and finding the right partners to secure business acquisitions. Don't miss expert advice on improving your lending prospects in this challenging economic climate.

In today's episode of the Apex Business Advisors Podcast, Andy and Doug discuss the real life impacts (and consequences) of going around an NDA. We talk about the importance of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and the role they play in safeguarding business transactions.

 In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of engagement agreements and their role in business sales. Learn why maintaining accurate information is crucial when entering into engagement agreements and how these documents have evolved over time to safeguard both sellers and buyers.

Join us as we explore the main components of engagement agreements, including the exclusive right to sell, commission structures, and the importance of providing truthful information. 

If you're considering buying or selling a business, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of business transactions. For more resources and information, be sure to visit the Apex website and explore their knowledge hub.

In this episode of the Apex Business Advisors podcast, Andy and Doug discuss the complications that arise when business owners mix personal expenses with company finances. The episode sheds light on the impact of excessive personal add backs, a common issue in the business sales process, and how it affects potential deals.

Listeners will gain insight into a current case where a business is facing valuation challenges due to high personal expenses run through the company. With banks increasingly scrutinizing such practices, the episode underscores the importance of transparency and clean books for successful business transactions. Andy and Doug also discuss solutions like formal valuations and offer advice to business owners on cleaning up financial records for future sales.

In this episode of the Apex Business Advisors podcast, Andy and Doug dive into a unique business transaction that saw the closing of the same business twice within a few years. The business's new journey unfolds as the owners found it necessary to sell again due to lifestyle and professional changes.

The discussion offers insight into the complexities of such transactions, highlighting critical factors including the importance of having legal representation early on to avoid last-minute complications. Andy and Doug emphasize the need for trust building between buyers and sellers, especially during renegotiations, as illustrated by a detailed analysis of a situation that could have derailed over minor financial discrepancies.

Listeners can expect to gain knowledge on the processes involved in smaller business sales, especially the potential pitfalls of contentious negotiations and the role of attorneys in representing client interests. Discover how buyer and seller united through proactive roles in legal discussions to ensure smooth closure and transition.