How to Buy a Hotel
If you’re researching how to buy a hotel, let Southeast International help you.
If you’ve decided that you might want to buy a hotel, you probably have a lot of questions to decide if it’s right for you: about the process, if it’s the right decision for you, and what it would require of you. It’s a big investment of time and money, and it deserves serious consideration. Southeast International is here to make the process as easy for you and as efficient as possible.
Be Sure That You’re Ready
Making a purchase this large is a big deal. It’s not something that you can return if you get buyer’s remorse. Make sure that you have answered the questions and checked the boxes to know that you’re ready:
- Are you ready to make a sizable down payment? We recommend 20-25% of the hotel’s purchase price.
- Are you prepared to operate a hotel? If you don’t have operating experience, you may need to hire an asset management company to manage your hotel. Make sure management of the hotel is something you are prepared to take on or pay for (make sure you figure that into your margins).
- Do you have financing? Aside from the down payment, there’s still a lot of money to consider. Occasionally, a seller will consider a lease/purchase agreement, but it’s very rare. Some sellers will consider financing your purchase, but securing the financing through a conventional lender is your best bet.
Find the Right Hotel Broker
This is where finding the right hotel brokerage comes in handy. At Southeast International Hotel Brokers, we know that finding the right hotel property for sale is crucial, so we provide comprehensive analysis and detailed information about the hotel’s characteristics, performance, and market.
We will sift through the hotel listings and find the ones that are in your price range and provide you with all of the information you need to know about them. Hotels are the only thing we sell, so you can rest assured that it is our area of expertise. With over half a decade of experience, we know how to assist you through the process to best ensure that you buy a hotel that you are satisfied with.
Due Diligence Before You Buy a Hotel
Southeast International will guide you and provide information that is crucial to know before you buy a hotel:
- Location- We will help you understand the location and the pros and cons. From heavier competition and more red tape in the booming areas to less occupancy in the rural areas, we will make sure you’re informed, so you can know what to expect out of any given location. Also, different locations have different cultures. What works in one place will not necessarily work in another; it’s great to have insight into local interests.
- Property Condition- Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. You don’t want any surprises when it comes to the property. This is another area where Southeast International’s experience will greatly assist you when it’s your time to buy a hotel.
- Logistics- It’s also crucial that you know the important information, from guest rooms and outlying rooms to inventory, permit information, and staff contracts.
- Understand the Market- Predicting your success in the hospitality industry is accomplished by staying current with market trends and business-for-sale trends, as well as your ability to leverage a good deal when you buy a hotel. If you’re not an expert economist, this can seem daunting; your hotel broker will be able to provide insight into this.
- Know Your Target Consumer- Pinpointing your target clientele is fundamental. The nature of people who travel to the area, what they are there for, and what they’re looking for in a place to stay are all important things to identify and factor into your business plan. Whether they are corporate guests or families on vacation, if you meet their needs, you’re more likely to earn their repeat business.
A hotel broker is a guiding light through the otherwise confusing and overwhelming process of buying a hotel. This is considered an investment that largely deserves plenty of thought, research, and careful planning. If you choose Southeast International Hotel Brokers to help you buy a hotel, you are going through the process with experts who are familiar with every step of this process. Through negotiations, purchase agreements, and finalization, we will be there to answer your questions and make your investment count.