Exit Planning Tips
Selling a High School
Many business leaders say that now isn't the time to try to sell a high school. At Gaebler, we think it's a great time to sell a high school. Here's why . . ..
The economy isn't the only thing that is uncertain these days. So are high school buyers, many of whom are waiting to pull the trigger on their next acquisition.
The good news is that ambitious entrepreneurs continue to see high schools as a smart business investment -- and the market is rewarding owners who are willing to invest time and energy in their sale.
Pre-Sale Checklist
The upfront time you investment in the sale of your high school will pay big dividends at closing. Perhaps the most important pre-sale consideration is to right-size your expectations to the realities of the market. Armed with a realistic timeframe and asking price, you can begin to consult with your broker about the best way to approach likely buyers.
Leveraging Seller Concessions
Seller concessions are becoming more commonplace in business-for-sale transactions. By far, seller financing is the most sought-after concession, especially in the current economic environment. Traditional lenders and investors are gun shy - and that makes sellers a logical funding source for many buyers. As an alternative, clearly state that seller financing is not an option and consider offering other concessions to see the sale through to its completion.
Working with Appraisers
An experienced appraiser is part and parcel of a successful high school sale. Leading industry appraisers equip sellers with a value gauge that can be accessed during negotiations. Following the appraisal, you may choose to delay your sale until you can increase the value of assets and revenue.
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