Buy a Broker?? How to....

[Matt Brooks]

Okay BP Team, I am asking for creative ideas! My good friend has an opportunity to buy a real estate brokerage office. Below Is the background of the office: Current Broker wants to work at least 10-15 more years. She wants to stay busy and needs income as well. This is an established local, independent real estate office with a great reputation. The town population is approx. 15k people and growing. This office was the #1 office in the town this year and has 6 agents. I do not have access to any of the financials. My friend currently does not have a real estate license meaning he is 4-5 years away from becoming a broker himself. From what i understand this does not keep him from ”owning” a real estate office as long as it works under a broker. My friend would also like to stay at his current job for 2 years to save money to buy the real estate office. What he and the current broker are trying to figure out is how could they structure a deal so the broker gets what she wants and my friend gains ownership? Is there a way to gain ownership over time, pay royalties, pay commission, etc. that could be good for both?? He understands the financials must work out but is simply trying to better understand how it could be structured. Thanks for the help in advance!!

[Joel Owens]

Would not know why your friend would want to buy a brokerage at the top end of the market cycle. Does the brokerage come with a building they own or is this a leased space?

Most businesses trade at 2 to 3 times profit.