1. Carefully consider the decision to buy a business.
  2. Educate yourself on the type of business you would like to buy.
  3. Conduct research on businesses currently for sale.
  4. Determine how much money you can afford to pay.
  5. Contact and consult with your local SUNBELT broker on initial goals and criteria.
  6. Evaluate the businesses that are being offered for sale.
  7. Confidentially tour the businesses you are interested in with your SUNBELT broker, noting improvements or changes that you would like to make.
  8. Evaluate the location and "feel" of business.
  9. Through your SUNBELT broker, place a bid on the business or businesses in which you are interested.
  10. Engage in negotiations with the seller through your SUNBELT broker.
  11. Once an agreement has been reached, your SUNBELT broker will walk you through the details of finalizing a sale. Details include negotiations, new owner financing, complete documentation for the purchase and closing the purchase.
  12. Close the purchase.
  13. Congratulations! You are the new owner of your own business!