Cash at closing isn't the only option.

Cash at closing

One check at closing, and you're done.

When it works

• You need the money for something specific — family, health, the next venture
• Your tax situation can handle it
• You want no ongoing ties to the business

Good to know

• The whole taxable gain usually lands in the year you sell — ask your CPA what that means for you
• The most cash on day one, but not always the most dollars overall

Seller financing

You become the bank.

Instead of one lump sum, you get a down payment and then monthly payments over an agreed term — often 5 to 10 years. The down payment, interest rate and term are all negotiated around the business's cash flow and your tax situation.

Why owners like it

• The tax bill is spread over the years you're paid, instead of one big hit
• Steady, predictable income — useful in retirement
• Often more total dollars than a cash sale, once the after-tax math is done

How your risk is covered

• The business (and property, if included) secures the note
• If we don't pay, you take it back
• We put our own money in from day one

Installment sale

Similar to seller financing, but set up under IRS Section 453 so capital gains tax is paid year by year as the payments come in.

When it works

• You have a large gain — the sale price is well above what you've got in it
• You're in or near the top tax bracket
• You'd like predictable income for years

We'll lay it out; your CPA tells you whether it works for you.

Earnout

A base price at closing, plus extra payments over one to three years if the business hits agreed targets.

When it works

• You believe the business has more growth ahead
• You want a share of the upside without staying on long-term

You can stay involved as a paid advisor during the earnout — or not. Your call.

Business + property

If you own the land or building, you have more choices:

• Sell both. One deal, one closing.
• Keep the property and lease it to us. You collect rent every month.
• Lease-to-own. We lease with an option to buy at a set price within one to three years.
• Subject-to. We take over the payments on your existing mortgage. We'll walk you through how it works and how you're protected.