A step-by-step guide to purchasing a business in Atlanta and North Georgia with First Choice Business Brokers.
Buying a business is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Here's how we guide you through every step of the process.
Once you've decided you want to buy a business, schedule an appointment with one of our Business Sales Professionals. We'll discuss your goals, experience, interests, and investment capacity to understand exactly what type of business is right for you.
During your consultation, we'll ask a series of questions to understand what type of businesses for sale we should show you — industry preferences, location, size, income requirements, and lifestyle goals. The more we know, the better we can match you.
Know how much capital you're working with. Some sellers offer financing terms, which means you can leverage your investment into a larger business with greater income potential. Be honest with your broker so we know which opportunities to present. Be prepared to provide proof of funds — most sellers require it before sharing confidential details.
There are thousands of businesses for sale across every industry — many you may not have considered. Your FCBB Business Broker will introduce you to opportunities in industries you might not have explored on your own. Some of the best acquisitions come from unexpected places.
Before we can share confidential details about a business for sale, you'll sign an NDA. This protects the seller's proprietary information and is standard practice in every business transaction. It's a simple step that opens the door to detailed financials and operations.
Once you identify a business of interest, we'll arrange a meeting with the seller — often before or after business hours to maintain confidentiality. You'll tour the operation and have the chance to ask questions directly. This is where you get a real feel for the business.
Ready to move forward? Writing an offer is easier than you think with an FCBB professional by your side. We use the most comprehensive proprietary Purchase Agreement in the industry — designed to protect all parties. You'll provide an Earnest Money Deposit (typically 10% or $10,000, whichever is greater), which is held by a third-party closing entity until the offer is accepted.
After the seller accepts your offer, you enter the due diligence phase. This is your chance to thoroughly review all requested items — financials, contracts, leases, employees, operations. If anything doesn't meet your approval, you have the right to withdraw and receive your deposit back.
Once all contingencies have been met and you've approved the due diligence items, you'll sign a release that moves you into the final phase — closing and business transfer.
A third-party entity (escrow company or transactional attorney) prepares the final transfer documents and obtains all necessary clearances — taxes, liens, and encumbrances — so you receive the business free and clear. Congratulations — you just bought a business!
Smart buyers do their homework. Here are the key areas to evaluate before making an offer.
The most important question: why is the seller selling? Their answer reveals whether this is a healthy transition or a red flag. Look for retirement, relocation, or new ventures — not losses or legal trouble.
Research the business's track record. Online reviews, industry reputation, and customer relationships tell you what you're really buying. A bad reputation can follow a business long after the sale.
Verify every number. Tax returns, profit & loss statements, balance sheets — the financials must check out. Work with experienced professionals like FCBB to validate the documentation thoroughly.
Will this investment pay off? Businesses with low rates of return can become a long-term problem that's difficult to fix, even with expertise. Make sure the numbers justify the investment.
Understand the true cost of running the business day-to-day. Payroll, rent, utilities, inventory, insurance — high operating costs can catch new owners off guard if they're not prepared.
Ask about pending litigations, tax liabilities, regulatory compliance, and any legal exposure. As a buyer, you have every right to know — and verify — any outstanding legal issues before closing.