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Seller Guides
How to sell your business for maximum value
A step-by-step playbook from valuation to closing — built by certified business intermediaries who close deals every month.
The 6-step selling process
Every sale follows the same disciplined arc. Skip a step and you leave money — or the deal itself — on the table.
01
Get a professional valuation
Understand what your business is worth before you talk to anyone. A proper valuation uses SDE/EBITDA, market multiples, and comparable sales — not a gut feeling.
02
Clean up your financials
Buyers and lenders underwrite off your recast earnings. Reconcile your books, document add-backs, and prepare 3 years of tax returns and P&Ls.
03
Protect confidentiality
Your employees, customers, and competitors should not learn about the sale until closing. Every serious buyer signs an NDA before seeing any details.
04
Prepare the business for sale
Reduce owner dependence, document standard operating procedures, diversify any concentrated customers, and fix obvious operational gaps.
05
Market to qualified buyers
A confidential teaser generates interest; only NDA-signed, financially qualified buyers see the full CIM. Strategic buyers often pay the highest multiples.
06
Manage diligence & close
Set a diligence timeline, keep both sides moving, coordinate the lender, and drive to a clean closing. Post-close, transition smoothly and collect referrals.
Seller FAQ
How long does selling a business take?
Most Main Street sales close in 6–12 months from listing. Financing-driven deals typically run 60–90 days from LOI to close. Realistic expectations prevent disappointment.
What does a business broker cost?
Main Street commissions typically run 8–12% on a tiered scale, paid at closing. Most brokers also charge a small upfront marketing fee. A good broker pays for themselves many times over.
Should I tell my employees?
No — confidentiality is critical. Employees learning about a sale can trigger departures, customer concerns, and deal-killing disruption. Disclosure happens at closing or just before.
Do I need my CPA involved?
Yes. Your CPA should validate the recast, understand the tax consequences of the sale structure (asset vs. stock), and coordinate with the buyer's accountant.
Can the buyer get an SBA loan?
Most Main Street buyers use SBA 7(a) financing. To qualify, the business needs sustainable earnings (typically 1.25x debt coverage), clean tax history, and a credible recast.
Ready to see what your business is worth?
Free, confidential, no obligation. Takes about 2 minutes.
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