Optimizing Business Exits

Selling a Real Estate Information and Referral Services Business

The sale of your real estate information and referral services business is the culmination of this stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Although most business owners expect a storybook ending, it will take the careful application of sound selling principles to bring your sale to a successful conclusion.

Waiting for better economic times to sell your company? That's a common anthem in the small business community.

The economy hasn't squashed the market for real estate information and referral services businesses. And the ones that are commanding the highest price tags are the ones with sellers who are committed to the sale process.

What to Expect in a Real Estate Information & Referral Services Business Sale

It's impossible to predict the emotional highs and lows you will experience during the sale of your real estate information and referral services business. Given your personal investment, you may also experience disappointment in the market's assessment of your company's value. Although it isn't easy, you can mitigate the emotional impact of a real estate information and referral services business sale by setting realistic expectations before you list your business.

Negotiation Teams

Business sellers are sometimes surprised to find themselves in the position of negotiator-in-chief. When you sell your real estate information and referral services business, your business brokers may or may not be willing to conduct negotiations for you. Negotiation is a chess game, best played with the resources and backend support of a negotiation team. Good negotiation teams support sellers, giving them insight and advice about how to overcome buyer objections and drive the process forward to a successful conclusion.

Leveraging External Resources

At some point, you're going to need help selling your real estate information and referral services business. Although it's wise to recruit a business broker, brokerage isn't your only concern. Additionally, you may want to hire professionals for legal, valuation and other functions before you put your business on the market. The early recruitment of external resources reduces your risk and results in a more predictable final outcome.

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