Is Now the Right Time to Sell?

Business Brokerage Perspective from Business Brokers AZ

Brought to you by Cox Business Brokers AZ | 480-235-7911

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether now is the right time to sell your business, you’re not alone. Many business owners—especially those approaching retirement—are asking the same question. The short answer? It depends. But there are some strong indicators that suggest now may be the ideal time to make your move.

Why Many Business Owners Are Preparing to Exit

According to industry surveys, a large percentage of privately held business owners—especially baby boomers—are planning to sell within the next few years. One study found that 75% of owners with revenues between $1 million and $150 million are planning to exit within three years. With so many business owners approaching retirement, the market could soon see a surge in listings. That means more competition for buyers—and fewer opportunities to stand out.

Burnout Is Real (And a Good Reason to Sell)

One common but often unspoken reason for selling is simple: you’re tired. After decades of running your business, burnout can sneak in. You might not notice it right away, but over time, it shows. Maybe you’ve lost a few clients and haven’t had the energy to replace them. Or you’ve put off renegotiating vendor contracts that could improve your bottom line.

If you’ve started to feel disengaged or less motivated, it might be a sign that it’s time to explore your exit strategy.

What About Waiting for a Better Market?

It’s tempting to hold off and wait until business picks up. In fact, 35% of business owners in one survey said they were postponing their sale, hoping their company would grow in value. But here’s the truth: no one can predict the future.

• Market conditions can shift.

• New competition can enter your space.

• Global or economic factors can impact your industry.

• And your energy and involvement may continue to fade.

In short, waiting doesn’t always equal a higher sale price.

Is Financing Still an Issue for Buyers?

Some owners hesitate to list because they’re unsure how a buyer would finance the purchase. It’s true that credit has tightened in recent years—but that hasn’t stopped deals from getting done. In fact, with SBA loans and creative deal structures like seller financing, many qualified buyers are still very active in the market. (If you're curious about SBA financing, we can walk you through how that works too.)

The Best Time to Plan Your Exit Was Yesterday. The Second-Best Time? Today.

There’s a saying in our industry: the time to start planning your exit is the day you open your doors. Of course, most owners are too busy running their businesses to think that far ahead. But whether you’re ready to retire, pivot to something new, or simply slow down, having a professional on your side can make all the difference. The fact that you’re reading this now might be a sign that you’re ready—or at least open—to the idea of selling. And that’s the first step.

Talk to an Experienced Business Broker

At Cox Business Brokers AZ, our experienced business brokerage professionals work with Arizona business owners to evaluate their options, assess current market conditions, and determine what their business could sell for today.

📞 Call us at 480-235-7911 to schedule a confidential, no-pressure consultation. Let’s talk about your goals and whether now is the right time for you to sell.