Business Exits By Industry

Selling a Christian Church

A lot can go wrong during the sale of a Christian church these days. More than ever before, it's important for sellers to know the tactics and techniques that are being used to maximize sales price and achieve desired sale outcomes.

Despite your best intentions, great business sales don't happen overnight.

More than a few Christian church owners cave under the pressure and settle for a lower sales price than they should. That's unfortunate because all it takes to get a fair price in today's market is ample planning and an awareness of what's important to buyers.

Are You the Right Person to Sell Your Business?

As the owner, you are both the best and worst person to sell your Christian church. Without a doubt, you have the most at stake in the outcome of your sale. That makes you the most passionate advocate for your Christian church in the business-for-sale marketplace. However, your close connection to your company can also be a drawback. You see your company's potential. But buyers don't pay for potential - they pay for current market value. At a minimum, conduct an independent appraisal of the Christian church to gain an objective sense of fair market value.

Business Assets

It's incumbent on buyers to commission their own appraisal of your Christian church's physical assets. Most sellers, however, conduct a pre-sale appraisal to gain an accurate gauge of asset value prior to negotiations. A pre-sale appraisal is a prerequisite for because it offers insights about your assets' market value before you initiate conversations with prospective buyers. During your appraisal process, you should also note the condition of your assets. Cost-effective repairs can then be made before your list your Christian church.

Preparing Your Christian Church for Sale

The outcome of a business sale is largely determined prior to a market listing. Profitable Christian church sales begin with a comprehensive strategy that incorporates planning, preparation and market positioning. Everything you do to increase market share and profitability has a payoff in the final sale price of your Christian church. But your efforts to improve your company's position and profitability will only be effective if you invest similar effort into the preparation of accurate financial statements for buyers.

Share this article


Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary