Smart Exit Planning Strategies for Niche Markets

Selling a Golf Communities Business

A good business is about more than dollars and sense. To make your golf communities business what it is today, you've had to fully invest yourself in its success. But the hard work isn't done yet. Before you can make a graceful exit, you will have to invest yourself in your business sale.

It's a fact: Successful business sales take time.

Many business owners don't know that golf communities businesses are still a hot commodity, to the extent that sellers have properly prepared them for the marketplace.

Broker vs. No Broker

The decision of whether or not to hire a business broker should never be taken lightly. Is there a cost associated with hiring a broker? Sure - about 10% of the final sale prices. But a good broker will make selling your golf communities business much less painful. You can also expect to receive a higher sales price for your business in a broker-assisted deal.

Seller Concessions

Seller concessions are becoming more commonplace in business-for-sale transactions. In a down economy sellers become bankers; an unwillingness to finance at least part of the sale of a golf communities business can translate into a dead deal. Capital is scarce, causing new entrepreneurs to rely on sellers to finance at least part of the purchase price. Other common seller concessions include staying on the mentor the new owner, non-compete clauses, and working as a consultant to mitigate the impact of new ownership.

Understanding Market Timing

Now may be the best time to sell a golf communities business. With interest rates at all-time lows, it's easy to see why golf communities businesses are an appealing investment opportunity for savvy investors. As the interest rates rise, it will be more difficult for buyers to make the numbers work in their favor. So we see market timing as a concern that can be easily mitigated by applying fundamental sales strategies and adequately preparing your company for buyers.

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