The business, the building — or both?
If you own the business and the property it runs in, how you sell them changes who buys, what they pay and when you get paid.
A Houston owner who holds both a business and its real estate can sell them together, sell the business and lease the building to the buyer, or sell them separately to different buyers. Alan R. Hernandez can list the real estate and sell the business, so one broker can market every option and help you compare them — with your CPA and attorney advising on tax and legal structure.
Option 1 — Sell the business and the building together
One buyer, one closing. It suits an owner who wants a clean exit and a buyer who wants to control the location. The buyer pool is smaller — they need financing for both — but the buyers who fit are often the most motivated.
Option 2 — Sell the business, keep the building, sign a lease
You sell the business and become the buyer's landlord. The buyer needs less cash to buy in, which widens the pool, and you keep an income-producing property. The lease terms — rent, length, options to renew or buy — become part of the deal and deserve as much attention as the sale price.
Option 3 — Sell them separately
The business goes to an operator; the building goes to an investor, sometimes with the new operator's lease already in place. Two sales, two buyer pools — and sometimes a better total result than either buyer would pay alone.
If you lease your location today
Most buyers will want to know they can stay. Read your lease for assignment and transfer terms before you go to market, and expect the landlord to be part of the conversation.
Asset sale or stock sale?
Business sales are commonly structured as an asset sale (the buyer acquires the equipment, inventory, name and goodwill) or an entity / stock sale (the buyer acquires the company itself). The choice affects taxes, liabilities and what has to be transferred, and buyers and sellers often prefer different structures. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice — talk to your CPA and attorney before you decide. Alan will coordinate with them throughout the sale.
Next: how Alan sells a Houston business, how it's marketed, or the fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sell my business and building together?
It depends on your goals. Together gives one buyer and one closing; selling the business and leasing the building widens the buyer pool and keeps you an income property; selling separately can reach two buyer pools. Alan can market each option and help you compare them.
Can I keep my building and lease it to the buyer of my business?
Yes. Many owners sell the business and sign a lease with the buyer, which lowers the cash the buyer needs and keeps the property producing income for you.
What is the difference between an asset sale and a stock sale?
In an asset sale the buyer acquires the business's assets — equipment, inventory, name and goodwill; in a stock or entity sale the buyer acquires the company itself. The structure has tax and liability consequences, so decide it with your CPA and attorney. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Can one broker handle both the business and the real estate?
Yes. Alan R. Hernandez is a licensed Texas broker who can list the real estate and sell the business, so one team markets and negotiates both.
Thinking about selling your property or business?
A confidential conversation with Alan is the first step — no cost, no obligation.