If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, then you likely have a basic understanding of the importance of real estate agents and brokers. When you’re looking to buy or sell a funeral home, however, it’s important to consider the role of a funeral home broker.
While real estate brokers sell a physical space like a home or office, business brokers sell everything that constitutes a business, from facilities to employees and even clients.
Who Funeral Home Brokers Are
When selling a small or mid-sized business, a business broker will play an integral role in the process. They’ll help you discern the value of your business, negotiate with potential buyers, and fulfill any legal requirements related to the transfer of ownership in terms of licensing and permits. Similar to real estate brokers, business brokers are usually paid on a commission basis from the transactions they oversee. Additionally, business brokers often work out of firms that specialize in specific industries.
For example, a broker at a funeral home brokerage will likely have access to a network of funeral and cemetery professionals, helping you find a qualified buyer. Additionally, with their death care experience, they’ll be able to more accurately evaluate your business. Most importantly, they can wield this experience to help prepare your business for a sale and transfer.
You wouldn’t hire a car salesman to sell your house. Similarly, you shouldn’t hire a traditional or generic business broker to sell your funeral home.
What They Do
The death care industry differs from others in that funeral homes are predominantly family-owned. Moreover, they play an essential role within the communities they serve and treat their staff like part of the family. These factors make the transition of ownership more complicated than in other industries. A specialized funeral home broker can better help you navigate these waters, ensuring that a buyer is a good fit for your business.
On top of this, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of finding qualified buyers. An experienced funeral home broker–preferably one working out of a funeral brokerage–will have a strong network of relationships with both independent funeral directors and regional funeral home groups. When it comes time to find a buyer, they’ll be able to find someone who not only can afford your business but also understands how to carry on the torch.
Why They Are the Best Option
While a real estate broker can likely sell your funeral home’s facilities and properties, they won’t possess the skills required to successfully sell a business. The value of small businesses is much more complicated and volatile than that of real estate, and finding the right buyer is more than a matter of loan acquisition. Alternatively, you might consider selling your business to a consolidator; however, this option comes with the risk of accepting a lower price.
Generally, a small business broker will charge a 1-5% commission on the sale of your business. Naturally, it might be tempting to explore other options, such as putting it on the market yourself. However, this option comes with risks. There are many legal concerns when it comes to selling a business. Confidentiality, securing loans, and negotiating the terms of a deal are all intricate processes that require skill and experience to execute properly–not to mention that while your business is up for sale, you’ll still have to continue your day-to-day functions.
This is why it’s best to call on the help of professional funeral home brokers.
Finding the Right One
For anyone looking to sell a funeral or cemetery business, Johnson Consulting Group has a skilled team of brokers that can evaluate your business, secure loans, and negotiate the terms of the sale. Since 1997, they’ve closed over $2 billion in transactions, and they have long-standing relationships with death care professionals, allowing them to present your business to only the most qualified buyers.
In addition to broker services, JCG also offers accounting, performance management, and consulting services. This way, if your business is not in the optimal position for a sale, they can help you make adjustments and redirect your course.
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, scale, or improve your funeral business, the team at Johnson Consulting Group has the expertise to do so effectively.