FAQ - Small Business Exit Strategies: how to structure a business acquisition.

Didier Malagies • April 27, 2022

The Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan is a long-term financing tool for growing small businesses.

In this economy, a lot of business owners are thinking about retirement. You might be one of them. Maybe you're wondering if it's time to sell your company, or maybe you've been approached by a buyer who wants to purchase it. In either case, it's important to know that when it comes time to execute the deal, the best way to go is through a commercial loan.

I know what you're thinking: why would I want a bank involved in my sale? It's not like they have any skin in the game—they're just going to take their cut and leave me with whatever they feel like giving me at the end of the day. But this is actually a misconception about how commercial loans work: as long as your business is valuable and you've got an experienced financial advisor on your side, banks will do everything possible to help make the deal happen for everyone involved—including you.


That's because commercial loans aren't just for buying and selling businesses—they can also be used for many other purposes, including retirement planning and estate planning. If you choose to sell your company to an employee or family member, for example, a commercial loan can be used by your buyer (or even yourself) as part of an estate plan so you are protected.

A bank will lend your buyer the money based on their ability to pay it back rather than on whether they have enough cash in the bank today. The alternative is you taking on the risk and hope that you are paid back.


This option is only available if there's a lender willing to finance the transaction though, so make sure that there are lenders who will work with buyers in your situation before you start down this path.


The best place to start is by giving one of our advisors a call, (727) 784-5555. We will walk you through all your options and help you game plan your exit strategy. Or use the form below to ask us a question. 

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Use the form below and we will give your our expert answers! Or scroll down for more FAQs and Answers.

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Need working capital for your business?

By DDA Mortgage • July 5, 2022
If you need working capital for your business, you’ve come to the right place. We can get you up to $150,000 in financing in as little as 2 weeks. And unlike traditional banks and other lenders, we are here to help you throughout the process to make sure you get funded. Our program is designed to give businesses like yours access to cash when they need it most. The best part? There is no cash flow analysis, no debt refi, no equipment requirement - just working capital. You can get 30% of your top line, gross revenue from your last tax returns. To qualify for the loan you will need: To be self-employed for 2 years. Have a 680 FICO score or higher. Have a 155 biz score or higher. Access to working capital can help your business in many ways: Working capital loans can help with covering payroll. Some businesses have cash flow problems because they have to pay their employees before they get paid. This can be a problem for startups, especially if the business owner is also an employee. Working capital loans can help you cover payroll and other expenses until you receive payment from clients. Working capital loans can help with buying inventory. The cost of inventory is one of the biggest expenses for most businesses. Working capital loans can help you buy inventory quickly and easily so that you don't have to wait for your customers to pay their bills before they can receive it. Working capital loans can help with rent and building expenses. Rent and building expenses are ongoing costs that must be paid every month regardless of whether or not there have been any sales in that month. Working capital loans help businesses pay these bills on time so that they don't fall behind. There is no obligation to start the lending processes. Just an obligation to yourself to figure out what's best for you. Find out more about how much you can borrow to help you finance your working capital! Complete the form below and one of our advisors will reach out to you. Or, give us a call at (727) 784-5555 and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.
A woman is sitting at a desk using a calculator and writing on a piece of paper.

FAQ - Commercial Loans In Florida | How Do I Get Started?

By Didier Malagies • May 11, 2022
The process of seeking a commercial loan in Florida can be overwhelming.
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FAQ - What are the best doggy daycare government subsidized loans?

By Didier Malagies • April 27, 2022
For doggy daycare owners and buyers, there are two main types of Government Subsidized Loans that can help you buy or grow your business .
A brick building with green awnings on the windows

FAQ - Are Commercial Loans Hard To Get?

By Didier Malagies • April 6, 2022
Commercial loans are easy to get if you know this.
A woman is sitting at a desk in front of a computer.

FAQ - Loan For Small Businesses - What Are The SBA 504 Loan Requirements?

By Didier Malagies • March 30, 2022
The Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan is a long-term financing tool for growing small businesses.
A row of buildings with palm trees in the middle

FAQ - How To Buy Commercial Real Estate With Your Tax Return

By Didier Malagies • March 30, 2022
Tax season is a great time to take stock of your company's financial situation and look ahead to the next year.
A restaurant with red and white striped awnings on the windows

FAQ - What To Know About Commercial Loans.

By Didier Malagies • March 23, 2022
As a business owner, you need to know why commercial loans are important, how it works, and what is available to you.
A woman is sitting at a table with a laptop and a person is holding a piece of paper.

FAQ - How Does Commercial Real Estate Loans Work?

By Didier Malagies • March 16, 2022
Commercial real estate loans are similar to residential mortgages, but they usually require a shorter repayment period and a higher down payment.
A restaurant with tables and chairs and a menu on the table

FAQ - What Real Estate Loan Is Best For Small Businesses?

By Didier Malagies • March 16, 2022
For small business owners, there are three main types of commercial real estate loans: conventional commercial loans, SBA 7(a) loans and SBA 504 loans.

FAQ - What Commercial Real Estate Loans Are For Small Business?

By Didier Malagies • March 16, 2022
Commercial real estate loans are a lot like a residential mortgage. However, the programs, terms, and types vary.
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Asset based lending with no min fico score

By Didier Malagies • January 26, 2026
• 12-Month Bridge Loans with interest-only payments • Cash-Out Refis, Purchase Loans, Second Liens, and Portfolio Loans • Nationwide lending on non-owner occupied residential properties, including condos • No FICO minimum – We welcome credit-challenged borrowers • No income or employment verification • No seasoning required • No appraisal contingencies • We fund mid-foreclosure and past bankruptcy deals • Pure asset-based lending – • Closings in as fast as 3–5 days tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog Didier Malagies NMLS #212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329

Cost of retirement comfort soars, leaving most far short

By Didier Malagies • January 14, 2026
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Does your condo association needs funds for a new roof

By Didier Malagies • January 12, 2026
1. HOA / Condo Association Loans (Most Common) These are commercial loans made directly to the association, not individual unit owners. Typical uses Roof replacement Structural repairs Painting, paving, elevators, plumbing Insurance-driven or reserve shortfalls Key features No lien on individual units Repaid through monthly assessments Terms: 5–20 years Fixed or adjustable rates Can be structured as: Fully amortizing loan Interest-only period upfront Line of credit for phased projects Underwriting looks at Number of units Owner-occupancy ratio Delinquency rate Budget, reserves, and assessment history No personal guarantees from owners 2. Special Assessment Financing (Owner-Friendly Option) Instead of asking owners to write large checks upfront: The association levies a special assessment Owners can finance their portion monthly Reduces resistance and default risk Keeps unit owners on predictable payments This is especially helpful in senior-heavy or fixed-income communities. 3. Reserve Replenishment Loans If reserves were drained for an emergency repair: Association borrows to rebuild reserves Keeps the condo compliant with lender and insurance requirements Helps protect unit values and marketability 4. Florida-Specific Reality (Important) Given your frequent focus on Florida condos, this resonates strongly right now: New structural integrity & reserve requirements Insurance-driven roof timelines Older associations facing multi-million-dollar projects Financing often prevents forced unit sales or assessment shock Many boards don’t realize financing is even an option until it’s explained clearly. 5. How to Position the Conversation (What to Say) You can frame it simply: “Rather than a large one-time special assessment, the association can finance the project and spread the cost over time—keeping dues manageable and protecting property values.” That line alone opens the door. 6. What Lenders Will Usually Ask For Current budget and balance sheet Reserve study (if available) Insurance certificates Delinquency report Project scope and contractor estimate Bottom Line Condo associations do not have to self-fund roofs or major repairs anymore. Financing: Preserves cash Reduces owner pushback Helps boards stay compliant Protects resale values Tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
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