Exit Planning Techniques By Market

Selling a Flood Insurance Business

Your flood insurance business is a tangible reminder of the passion and dedication you've invested in your entrepreneurial career. 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.

Business-for-sale markets are less dependent on economic conditions than most sellers think they are.

But the good news is that there is still demand for flood insurance businesses that present well and offer solid earning potential.

Broker vs. No Broker

The decision of whether or not to hire a business broker should never be taken lightly. Business brokers typically charge a 10% "success fee" when they sell a business, but they also handle many of the hassles that are associated with selling a flood insurance business. You can also expect to receive a higher sales price for your business in a broker-assisted deal.

Preparing for What's Next

The decision to sell your flood insurance business can't be made without adequate consideration of what will happen after the sale. Although next steps may seem inconsequential, they actually play an important role in shaping the structure of the sale of your flood insurance business. In today's market, many buyers expect seller financing - a concession that might not be a possibility for sellers whose next step requires the entire proceeds at the time of the sale.

Negotiation 101

As a business seller, you have to be at the top of your negotiating game. More often than not, the person with the most knowledge will come out on top in a flood insurance business negotiation. But before you can negotiate effectively, you need to have a clear sense of your minimum sale requirements. If you lack clarity about your goals, you're guaranteed to fall short of achieving of them. If you aren't sure what you need, put negotiations on hold until you gain a clearer understanding of your own deal parameters.

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