Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what owners ask most. Do not see yours? Email it.
How much does it cost to sell a business with a broker?
Brokerage is success based, paid at closing. Fees are typically 5-10% of the sale price and depend on the size and price of the business. You see the exact terms in writing before you sign anything, and the valuation is free.
Is the business valuation really free?
Yes. No charge and no obligation to list with us.
How is my business value calculated?
For most main street businesses, value is Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) times a multiple. We recast your financials to find true owner earnings, then apply the range buyers are paying for similar businesses, adjusted for things like owner dependence, trend, customer mix and lease terms. See Business Valuation.
How long does it take to sell a business?
The IBBA and M&A Source Market Pulse survey for Q2 2026 found main street deals averaged six to 10 months from engagement to close (source). Clean books, realistic pricing and a business that runs without you all speed it up. Nobody can honestly promise a date.
Will my employees or customers find out?
Not from us. Listings are blind, buyers sign an NDA and are screened before they learn your name, and showings are kept away from staff. Read How We Protect You.
Do I need a broker, or can I sell it myself?
You can sell it yourself, and some owners do. The trade-off is time and risk: finding and screening buyers, keeping it confidential, packaging the financials for a lender, and managing diligence while you run the business. A good broker earns the fee by protecting the price and getting the deal closed.
Do you work with businesses outside my area?
Yes. We work with owners and buyers in all 50 states.
What kinds of businesses do you sell?
Established main street businesses: service companies, trades, retail, food, distribution, light manufacturing and professional practices, among others. If the business makes a profit and could run without you, it is worth a conversation.
What documents will I need?
Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements plus year to date, your lease, key contracts, an equipment list and a list of owner perks and one-time expenses. We will tell you what matters most for your business.
Can a buyer use an SBA loan to buy my business?
Often, yes, and many main street buyers do. SBA deals come with lender requirements on valuation, the buyer's cash injection and any seller note. Read what owners should know about SBA-financed buyers.
Will I have to carry a seller note?
Not always, but seller financing can widen the pool of buyers and help a deal get financed. We will walk you through the trade-offs and help protect any note you agree to.
What if I am not ready to sell yet?
Start with a free valuation and an exit plan. One to three years of preparation can make a real difference in what you walk away with.