A Tough Nut To Crack, There's Got To Be A Way

[Mark B]

I've been working on a difficult deal, but I just know that it should be doable. However, up to now, the seller and I can not come to terms on the price.

I think the experienced BP pros (such as yourself) could maybe help me structure the deal in another way.

Background: The seller has a 3200 sf office/retail building that she would like to sell with owner financing. She owns it outright (paid it off in 2001). She bought it with owner financing in '94 for $125k, 9% interest.

My plan is to buy the building, move my office into half and convert the other half to a microbrew tap room. (I'm an architect and have already done the zoning/ liquor license verification.)

Seller is asking $275k. The comps don't justify this. The building is also in rough shape. She hasn't done any maintenance or upgrades in the 18 years she's owned it. I see no justification for doubling her money (the neighborhood has not changed either.)

She wants to close shop (it's practically empty and she has already retired for all intents and purposes.) She wants to hit the road in her RV and get a regular income from the payments.

She is so focused on price that we have not been able to talk terms too much. I gave her a formal offer in writing (in person) of $176.5k with 10k down and 5% interest. I thought this was going to be a starting point of negotiation, and that we'd negotiate toward 200k. Her agent called mine to say "no thanks".

I think the key is to frame the offer differently; talk income per month or some other angle. There is no other interest in the building. It has been on the market one year now. What do you think?