Buying A Motel -
The process began with months of searching for the right property. They finally found the "Blue Pine Motor Lodge," a mid-century building that had seen better days. The owner was ready to retire and offered a competitive price, but the Millers knew they had to be careful.
: Always verify at least three years of financial statements and tax returns.
Despite the long hours—often reaching 60+ per week—the satisfaction was immediate. They loved meeting travelers and building relationships with returning customers. The flexibility of living where they worked and the potential for a high return on their investment made the transition worth it. They weren't just running a business; they were building a new life, one guest at a time. Key Considerations for Buying a Motel buying a motel
: Check the "hidden" areas of the property; if the staff areas are clean, the rest of the motel likely is too.
: Understand if you are buying the land and building (freehold) or just the right to run the business (leasehold). The process began with months of searching for
If you'd like to dive deeper into the process, I can help you with: A How to evaluate a motel's profit and loss statement The pros and cons of franchise vs. independent motels
Jack and Sarah Miller decided to trade their high-speed corporate lives for a 14-room roadside motel in the Catskills. They were tired of the 9-to-5 grind and wanted a business they could run together while living on-site. : Always verify at least three years of
They hired a specialized motel broker and an accountant to dive into the finances. They spent weeks reviewing three years of financial statements and occupancy reports to ensure the business was actually profitable. During their due diligence, they didn't just look at the books; they walked the property, checking the back areas for signs of neglect and ensuring the building was structurally sound.