If you’re thinking about selling your insurance agency—or simply want to understand what it’s worth—this guide walks you through the valuation process from start to finish. From knowing when to sell to understanding how buyers evaluate your book of business, here’s everything you need to make a confident and profitable move.

What causes most small business sales to fall apart after an offer is accepted? According to data from Axial, nearly 70% of failed transactions break down during due diligence. And the reasons are usually preventable—disorganized financials, misaligned expectations between buyer and seller, or trust issues that surface once the details come into focus. It's not that buyers aren’t interested or that the timing is off. More often, it’s that sellers aren't fully ready for what serious buyers need to see when they start digging into the numbers and operations.

Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an entrepreneur. But it doesn’t have to drag on for years. With the right strategy, tools, and mindset, it’s possible to sell your company within six months—without losing value or making costly mistakes.

In this guide, we break down the core steps that accelerate a business sale, from financial prep to smart negotiation and post-sale planning. Whether you're preparing years in advance or need a quick exit, these strategies will help you sell with confidence and control.

In an acquisition, goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired company’s net identifiable assets (both tangible and intangible). It represents elements such as brand reputation, customer loyalty, and proprietary advantages that contribute to future earnings but cannot be individually measured or separately recognized as distinct assets. While goodwill can significantly impact the final purchase price of a business, determining its true value is often complex. Overestimating goodwill can lead to inflated valuations and potential write-downs, while undervaluing it may result in leaving money on the table during negotiations.

After a period of fits and starts, the landscape for mergers and acquisitions appears poised for renewed momentum in 2025. Recent data points—from increasing large-deal volumes to evolving macroeconomic conditions—offer optimism for business owners considering a sale or valuation assessment. Yet, amid the encouraging signs, the market continues to flash mixed signals. Understanding these nuanced shifts is critical for those aiming to capture optimal value.

Selling a roofing company can be a complex process, but it can also be highly rewarding if done correctly. Whether you're considering retiring, shifting to a different industry, or simply ready to cash in on your hard work, understanding how to sell a roofing company is crucial. In fact, roofing businesses make up a significant part of the broader construction industry, which in the U.S. is valued at over $1.5 trillion annually. For roofing business owners, the potential sale value depends on a variety of factors, including company size, recurring revenue, and market trends.

Selling an electrical contracting business is a complex process that requires careful planning, strategic execution, and a thorough understanding of your company's value. Whether you're an electrical contractor looking to retire, move on to a new venture, or simply capitalize on the business you've built, getting the most value out of your sale is paramount. In fact, statistics show that up to 80% of small businesses that go on the market never end up selling, primarily due to improper valuation or misaligned expectations between the seller and the buyer.

If you're considering selling your plumbing business, understanding how to maximize its value is essential. The U.S. plumbing market is valued at $126.4 billion and continues to grow, making it a promising time to sell. To secure the best deal, focus on key factors like EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). Strategic adjustments, such as adding back certain expenses, can significantly boost your business’s valuation.