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.
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
: 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
: Be prepared for a "24/7" lifestyle where your home and work life are fully integrated. Despite the long hours—often reaching 60+ per week—the
: Check the "hidden" areas of the property; if the staff areas are clean, the rest of the motel likely is too.
: Always verify at least three years of financial statements and tax returns.