Inns for sale, southern Vermont ...

ideas for shopping the market

For sale by owner...  When we were shopping the market , we found that bed and breakfasts that were for sale by the owner were ridiculously overpriced.  We also found that most owners could not substantiate the occupancy rates that they claimed.  For example: 50 per cent occupancy meant that the place was open weekends only, and even using a two day week, they could not consistently sell the place out.  Ask how the occupancy rate was arrived at.  Get a good accountant to verify the books.  We did.

Your decision, if you're going to buy:  how many agents do you want involved in the sale?  The sellers agent, by definition, represents the seller.  But you can also retain an experienced buyer's agent - also a real estate agent - who will represent your interest and exlain to you the things you may have questions about.  This arrangement - we did it ourselves when we bought a place - will work to your benefit.

How do you choose?  Find a reputable agent who has been in business for some years and who has acted on both sides of the sale of Vermont inn or bed and breakfast.  Find out how this arrangement works.  Ask your questions.  And spend some time in the area and in the building.