Glossary · Reading the business
Site Visit
In short
A physical inspection of the business premises by the lender or an appraiser. It verifies the business's existence, condition of assets, and operational reality.
What it means in a deal
Before closing, your lender will conduct a site visit to confirm the business's physical location, observe operations, and assess the condition of major assets like equipment and inventory. This visit helps validate information provided in financial statements and appraisals, ensuring there are no major discrepancies or red flags that could impact the loan.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Site Visit
- What specific factors would prompt the SBA to review a lender's 'prudent lending standards' during an oversight visit?
- Under what conditions is a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment required for 7(a) loan collateral?
- When does the SBA require an environmental Phase II Site Assessment for 7(a) loan real estate collateral?
- When is a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment required for a 7(a) loan, beyond a Phase I?
- If the business I'm acquiring includes real estate, is an environmental site assessment always required for the property?
- When is a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) required for real estate collateral in a 7(a) loan?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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