What To Look for in a Business Valuation Professional

Buying or selling a business can mean beginning a long-awaited retirement filled with leisure, travel, and adventure or fulfilling an entrepreneurial dream.

Before doing either, it's crucial to have an accurate understanding of the business's value. 

Learn when, why, and how to hire a business appraisal service and what to look for in a business valuation professional.

When You Need a Business Valuation Expert

There are several situations in which you may require the expertise of a business valuation professional:

• Selling a Business: To ensure you receive a fair price for your business, it's vital to have a precise assessment of its worth.
• Buying a Business: When purchasing a business, an accurate valuation helps you avoid overpaying and ensures a sound investment.
• Litigation: A fair and unbiased business valuation is essential in cases of partnership disputes, divorce, or other legal matters.

Key Qualities of a Business Valuation Professional

When hiring a business valuation specialist, be sure to look for the following attributes:

Certification

Look for professionals with credentials such as CBA (Certified Business Appraiser), ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser), or one of the certifications from other professional organizations such as ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation) or CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst). 

These certifications signify a high level of expertise and adherence to professional standards.

Independence

It's essential to select a valuator who is impartial and free from any conflicts of interest, ensuring the report's credibility.

Experience

A seasoned valuation expert should have a track record in your industry, proving their knowledge of the market and equipment used in your business.

Reputation and Confidentiality

Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the expert's reputation among their clients. Maintaining confidentiality regarding your plans to sell or buy the business is critical.

Industry Knowledge

Whether the business in question is a metal fabrication shop, a manufacturing plant, or a dry cleaning business, determining the value of your equipment is important. 

A knowledgeable business valuation professional should be well-versed in how the equipment adds value to a company and generates income.

Costs of Hiring a Business Valuation Professional

Business valuation costs can vary widely due to a business’s complexity, the industry, the size of the company, and the level of detail required for the valuation report. 

Oral reports are less formal, do not require extensive documentation, and require less time. They’re generally less expensive than written reports, which include documentation and require more time and effort to produce. 

Costs can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

While the valuation is a factor in litigation, the costs rise with the preparation and documentation necessary and the potential need for expert testimony. 

The cost of litigation-related valuation can soar into the mid-five figures or more. Write out the project's scope and expected deliverables before hiring a valuation professional to ensure both parties agree on costs and timelines.

An accurate valuation is vital when buying or selling a business. The transaction will be less stressful when you know what to look for in a business valuation professional.

Reasons Everyone Should Have a Living Will

In uncertain times, it's critical to consider how your loved ones would handle your end-of-life decisions. Creating a living will provides clarity and peace of mind that your wishes are known and followed during difficult moments.

A living will can cover medical treatment, estate planning, and everything in between. We'll explore the reasons everyone should have a living will.

Ensures Your Medical Wishes Are Met

Making decisions about your own medical care can be difficult, especially as you age or face serious conditions. Drafting a living will can ensure your medical wishes are respected and carried out in critical situations. 

This legal document outlines your medical treatment preferences if you cannot communicate. It gives clear guidance to healthcare professionals and family members. 

For example, if you do not wish to be kept on life support, your living will reflects this wish and ensures healthcare providers know how to care for you. 

This document provides peace of mind and a sense of control over your medical care, ensuring your voice is heard even if you cannot speak.

Controls Financial Decisions After Death

The thought of mortality can be uncomfortable, but it is important to plan for the future to ensure your wishes are carried out after you pass. 

Creating a living will is one way to control financial decisions after death. This legal document ensures your assets and belongings are distributed according to your wishes and can prevent potential conflicts between family members. 

Having a clear plan for your estate is important, and a living will is an effective tool to ensure your legacy is carried out as you intended. 

Remember, it's never too early to start planning for the future, and there are many benefits of end-of-life planning.

Provides Clarity and Closure to Loved Ones

No one wants to imagine scenarios where they can no longer make choices for themselves. However, a living will can provide peace of mind for you and clarity for your loved ones in the event of your passing. 

By explicitly outlining your preferences for medical treatment, end-of-life care, and organ donation, a living will can ensure your wishes are respected, even if you cannot communicate them yourself.

Making these choices ahead of time can alleviate the burden of decision-making from your family members during a time of grief and mourning. While no one can predict the future, a living will provide important closure and comfort for you and your loved ones.

Now that you know why it's important for everyone to have a living will, you can start planning yours today. As challenging as it might be to create this document now, putting it together can provide many benefits throughout life and after death. 

Your legacy is yours to choose: show your loved ones you care by creating a meaningful living will for yourself today.

How To Invest in a Qualified Opportunity Zone

As a high-income earner, you’re always looking for attractive investment opportunities. One such opportunity is investing in a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ).

In this basic guide, we will discuss what QOZs are, the steps to invest in them, various risks and considerations, and potential tax benefits.

What Is a Qualified Opportunity Zone?

A Qualified Opportunity Zone is an economically distressed community that people can invest in to reap preferential tax treatment. 

The goal of a QOZ is to spur economic development and job creation in these underserved areas. Investments in QOZs can include real estate, businesses, and other qualifying assets.

Steps for Investing in a QOZ

The steps for investing in a QOZ boil down to identifying a QOZ and finding a Qualified Opportunity Fund to realize the investment. Below are more details and tips on this process.

1. Identify a QOZ

Start by researching and selecting a QOZ you’re interested in investing in. Use resources like the IRS to find eligible zones.

2. Choose Your Investment

Determine the type of investment you want to make within the QOZ. Common options include real estate development, investing in a business, or funding infrastructure projects.

3. Set up a Qualified Opportunity Fund

You must create a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF), which is a vehicle for investing in QOZs, either as an individual or through a partnership or corporation. 

You can use some tips for finding QOFs, such as diversifying your investments and working with an advisor, to help streamline the process.

4. Invest in the QOF

You’ll need to invest your capital gains into the QOF within 180 days of realizing those gains. You can then use these tax-deferred funds to invest in one or more QOZ properties or businesses.

5. Monitor Your Investment

Keep track of your investment, as ongoing management and reporting are required for QOZ investments to maintain compliance with IRS regulations.

Risks and Considerations

When investing in a QOZ, you should consider a few risks. For one, the distressed nature of QOZs comes with the potential for low returns or even investment loss if the area does not experience the expected economic growth. 

Secondly, local regulatory or zoning issues could be associated with the specific investment, impacting its success. 

And lastly, QOZ regulations may change in the future, resulting in unforeseen consequences for your investment. Stay informed about any proposed changes in legislation to avoid complications.

Tax Benefits and Potential Returns

Investing in a QOZ provides several tax benefits. By investing your capital gains into a QOF, you can defer taxes on those gains until 2026 or when you sell your QOZ investment, whichever comes first. 

Also, if you hold your QOZ investment for 5 years, the taxable portion of the original capital gains reduces by 10 percent. If you hold it for 7 years, the reduction becomes 15 percent. 

And if you hold your QOZ investment for at least 10 years, you can avoid paying taxes on any additional gains realized from the QOZ investment.

Knowing how to invest in a Qualified Opportunity Zone can help high-income earners leverage the tax benefits and potential returns of this unique investment opportunity. 

If this is an investment opportunity you’re interested in, start identifying potential QOZs and their respective QOFs today!

Commercial Kitchen Safety Concerns You Might Not Know About

Running a commercial kitchen comes with many responsibilities, and ensuring the safety of your staff, equipment, customers, and food is paramount. 

But some common kitchen safety issues are often overlooked or forgotten about when people are thinking about daily operations in their commercial kitchen. 

Today’s blog post will discuss some important questions business owners should ask themselves to ensure that everything is running smoothly in the most responsible manner possible - from regulations to sanitation to more - to keep everyone safe and on top of things.

An Introduction to Safety Concerns in a Commercial Kitchen

When it comes to a commercial kitchen, safety should always be a top priority. As excited as you may be to dive into cooking delicious meals for customers, it's essential to take a step back and assess any potential hazards that may arise. 

From sharp knives and hot surfaces to dangerous chemicals and slippery floors, there's a lot to remember. However, with the right safety measures, you can ensure that everyone in the kitchen is protected from harm. 

So, let's take a closer look at some of the key safety concerns you should know when working in a commercial kitchen. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

The Most Common (and at Times Underappreciated) Kitchen Hazard

If there is one thing that every commercial kitchen operator should be aware of, it is the hazards that come with working in such an environment. 

While anything from sharp knives to hot cooking surfaces can pose a risk to kitchen staff, the most common hazard is slipping and falling. Not only is this type of accident painful for the people involved, but it can also cause serious injuries that lead to missed workdays and other complications. 

To address this issue, it is essential to put protocols into place that ensure that spills are immediately cleaned up and non-slip mats are placed in areas that are more prone to be slippery. 

By taking these preventive measures, kitchen staff can focus on preparing delicious meals and serving customers with minimal risk of slips and falls.

How to Prevent Slips and Falls in Your Kitchen

The best way to keep you and your staff safe in the kitchen is by establishing and enforcing safety protocols. Start by ensuring your floors are clean and dry at all times, and invest in slip-resistant mats for high-traffic areas. 

Keep clutter off countertops and store sharp objects safely in a way that they won’t present a risk to the chefs and other staff. It's also important to wear proper footwear with good support and traction while cooking and cleaning. 

By being vigilant and taking these precautions, you can ensure the safety kitchen without worrying about the risk of slips and falls.

What Food Safety Regulations You Must Follow as a Commercial Kitchen Manager

As a commercial kitchen manager, you also have a big responsibility to ensure the safety of the food being prepared and served to customers. 

You must follow many food safety regulations to meet the required health standards. These regulations vary depending on location but typically cover proper food storage, cooking temperatures, and employee hygiene. 

It's important to stay up-to-date on these regulations and consistently enforce them to protect both your customers and your business. By following these safety guidelines, you can run a successful kitchen that produces high-quality meals without endangering anyone's health.

Ensuring That Workers Are Following Proper Hygiene Practices in the Kitchen

Keeping your kitchen clean isn't only for aesthetic purposes but for safety as well. Though it's always best to rely on professional cleaners for the harder-to-reach areas, such as kitchen hood cleaning and freezer/fridge cleaning, everyone who enters the kitchen should take hygiene seriously. 

For workers, there should be a strict regimen to follow regarding cleanliness. Hand-washing should be done frequently, and worn aprons and gloves should be changed daily. Also, the kitchen should thoroughly clean after each meal to keep bacteria away. 

It's your responsibility to implement proper hygiene practices and make sure they're followed. Be sure to have your kitchen maintain proper hygiene to produce not only delicious but also safe food.

A commercial kitchen can potentially be hazardous to workers or customers if safety and hygienic regulations aren't adhered to. As such, it's important that a manager pays special attention to making sure all employees are aware of safety guidelines and follows best sanitary practices. 

Most importantly, spills should be wiped promptly, and high-traffic areas should always be kept clean. But beyond that, managers must ensure they stay up-to-date with food safety regulations and industry standards and have good procedures in place for regular inspection of equipment as well as disposal of waste. 

By keeping informed and prepared with the right policies in place, commercial kitchen managers can ensure their kitchens are safe for everyone involved.

What You Need to Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular choice for individuals who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth. While dental implants are incredibly beneficial for those who want to restore their natural smile, it is essential to know all that is required before getting implants.

Dental implants are a significant investment, so it is best to know what you need to know before deciding.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants require a surgical procedure, so it is vital to understand the process involved. Before an implant is placed, a dental implant specialist will conduct an initial consultation to determine if the individual is a suitable candidate for the procedure. 

During the initial consultation, a specialist will conduct a comprehensive dental exam, including X-rays and other imaging tools. Once the specialist determines that a patient is a suitable candidate, the dental implant procedure can begin. 

The process involves anchoring the implant into the jawbone, and as the area heals, the implant fuses with the jawbone to provide a sturdy base for the replacement tooth.

The Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including how many implants an individual needs and the specialist they work with. 

While dental implants can be a costly investment, many insurance companies offer coverage for the procedure. 

Some dental implant specialists may also offer payment plans to help individuals who do not have insurance or cannot pay the entire cost upfront.

Aftercare and Maintenance

It is essential to understand that dental implants require maintenance and upkeep. A dental implant specialist will provide aftercare instructions, including how to care for the surgical site and proper oral hygiene recommendations. 

Additionally, it is necessary to attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the implant is functioning correctly and to prevent any further dental problems.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with dental implants. Risks include infection, nerve damage, and damage to other teeth. 

However, these risks are minimal when working with a qualified and experienced dental implant specialist.

The Importance of Selecting the Right Specialist

Regarding dental implants, selecting the right specialist to perform the procedure is of utmost importance. A qualified and experienced implant specialist can ensure a successful outcome. 

An implant specialist can assess the patient's oral health, aesthetic goals, and overall health to develop a personalized implant treatment plan. 

Choosing the right specialist can make all the difference in restoring your smile and confidence.

Dental implants can be a life-changing procedure that restores the natural function and appearance of teeth. However, it is important to know all that is required before making a decision. 

Understanding the procedure, cost, aftercare and maintenance, and potential risks and complications is essential. Additionally, selecting the right specialist is crucial for ensuring the success of the procedure. 

By being informed and working with an experienced specialist, individuals can successfully restore their natural smile with dental implants.

What Are DSCR Loans and How Can They Help Your Investments?

If you want to invest in real estate or expand your current real estate portfolio, consider taking out a commercial loan.

One of the most popular types of commercial loans is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan, designed to help borrowers finance income-producing properties. 

In this blog post, we will explore DSCR loans, how they work, and how they can help your investments.

What Are DSCR Loans?

A DSCR loan is a type of commercial loan that lenders use to evaluate the ability of a borrower to repay the loan. DSCR loans are typically used to finance income-producing properties such as apartment buildings, office buildings, and retail centers. 

The debt service coverage ratio is the primary metric that lenders use to assess the borrower's ability to repay the loan.

How Do DSCR Loans Work?

 
DSCR loans are structured to ensure that the borrower has enough income to cover the loan payments. The lender will typically require the borrower to provide documentation of the property's income and expenses, such as rent rolls, tax returns, and operating statements. 

The lender will use this information to calculate the property's debt service coverage ratio, which is the property's net operating income divided by the annual loan payment.

How Can DSCR Loans Help Your Investments?

If you are looking to invest in income-producing real estate, DSCR loans can be an excellent option. 

Here are some of the ways DSCR loans can help you:

Lower interest rates: DSCR loans typically offer lower interest rates than other commercial loans because they are considered less risky by lenders.

More flexibility: DSCR loans offer more flexible lending criteria than other commercial loans, making it easier for borrowers to qualify for financing.

Higher loan amounts: DSCR loans can provide higher loan amounts than other commercial loans, which can help you finance larger real estate projects.

Better cash flow: By ensuring that the property's income can cover the loan payments, DSCR loans can help you achieve better cash flow from your real estate investments.

Who Can Qualify for DSCR Loans?

To qualify for a DSCR loan, you must have a good credit score, a strong debt-to-income ratio, and a history of successful real estate investments. 

You will also need to provide detailed documentation of the property's income and expenses to demonstrate that the property has a sufficient debt service coverage ratio. You will need to work with a lender, like NewFi Lending, as well.

DSCR loans are an excellent option for investing in real estate. They offer lower interest rates, more flexibility, higher loan amounts, and better cash flow than other commercial loans. 

However, to take advantage of these benefits, you must have a strong financial profile and a successful track record of real estate investments. 

With a little hard work and preparation, DSCR loans can help you achieve your real estate investment goals. So, consider these benefits before making your next investment decision.