Historically, lenders would rely on book value or uneducated opinions to place values on these assets.  These values do not withstand scrutiny with bank examiners, U.S. Small Business Administration, IRS, attorneys, CPAs, courts and others. In addition, with the possibility of the loans going bad, lenders need to have an accurate estimate on what the machinery and equipment may produce when sold off in a loan-gone-bad situation.  Typically, lenders will order Fair Market Value estimates on the equipment and then apply their internal discount percentage to decide what amount to count as collateral for a loan they are considering to issue to the borrower.

Lenders often never see the assets that are being used for the loan collateral due to their busy schedules since banks have downsized leaving the remaining commercial loan officers more to do with less time and resources.  Using a third-party, certified machinery and equipment appraiser can go onsite to make sure the collateral exists while providing a estimate of value.

Historically, lenders would rely on book value or uneducated opinions to place values on these assets.   These values do not withstand scrutiny with bank examiners, U.S. Small Business Administration, IRS, attorneys, CPAs, courts and others. In addition, with the possibility of the loans going bad, lenders need to have an accurate estimate on what the machinery and equipment may produce when sold off in a loan-gone-bad situation. 

Typically, lenders will order Fair Market Value estimates on the equipment and then apply their internal discount percentage to decide what amount to count as collateral for a loan they are considering to issue to the borrower.   Lenders often never see the assets that are being used for the loan collateral due to their busy schedules since banks have downsized leaving the remaining commercial loan officers more to do with less time and resources.  Using a third-party, certified machinery and equipment appraiser can go onsite to make sure the collateral exists while providing a estimate of value.

Compared to traditional financing, small coompanies have a much better chance in gaining an SBA loan.  Whether it’s for the expansion of the business, or to cover payroll until revenues hit the books, a certified equipment appraisal report conducted by a qualified appraiser is important.  The ability to secure funding is oftentimes the deciding factor in whether businesses stay open or close, expand or become acquired.  Having an equipment appraisal will not only satisfy the bank, but it will help aid in making important business decisions such as asset replacement and accounting depreciation.

There are many SBA loan programs, including funds for short and long term financing as well as debt financing programs.   Although the SBA does not directly finance such small business loan, its strict set of guidelines for parties interested in financing for their small business, creates an environment where lenders are easily connected with potential borrowers.  Pre-screening of borrowers by the SBA also results in the increased probability of receiving financing.  Lenders want to know that in a worst-case scenario, they are able to recapture some of the loss through liquidating assets.

It is important to note that not all equipment appraisals are acceptable.  Though there are dealers and auctioneers that specialize in selling equipment, they don’t necessarily have the accreditations that are required to appraise equipment.   The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are guidelines that have been established to create a uniform valuation approach and methodology.    In addition, it outlines ethical and reporting requirements.   A non-USPAP compliant report could be biased as well as not provide necessary information for the companyand lender-which could ultimately could lead to legal issues if a company defaults on the loan.

An appraisal by an accredited appraiser through professional organizations may be more elaborate and credible than an appraisal by an uncertified party, thus providing the peace of mind that the equipment is valued by an experienced, credentialed professional, which is priceless.