Blogs & Resources
Blogs & Resources
How to Prepare Your Financials Before Selling Your Orlando Business
By Brea Reger, Senior Business Broker
If you're thinking about selling your business in Orlando, one of the most important things you can do right now is clean up your financials. Whether you run a restaurant near Lake Eola or a service business in Winter Park, your books can make—or break—your ability to sell for top dollar.
Buyers don’t just want to hear your business is profitable—they want to see it. And in a competitive market like Orlando, having organized, trustworthy financial records gives you a major advantage.
Why Financial Preparation is Key to a Successful Sale
Your financial records are the foundation of any deal. Buyers want to verify that your business is profitable, sustainable, and stable. If your numbers are messy, inconsistent, or full of personal expenses, they’ll hesitate—or worse, walk away.
Clean financials also:
Speed up due diligence
Increase buyer trust
Reduce price negotiations
Attract more serious, qualified buyers
What Financial Documents Should Be Ready?
At a minimum, you’ll want to prepare the following documents for the last 3 years:
Profit & Loss (P&L) Statements
Balance Sheets
Cash Flow Statements
Federal Tax Returns
Payroll Reports
A/R and A/P Aging Reports
If you’ve been running some personal expenses through the business—such as vehicle payments, meals, or family phone plans—you’ll want to clearly identify those as "add-backs" so buyers can understand your true profitability.
Pro Tip: Consider a Quality of Earnings (QoE) Report
In deals above $1 million, many serious buyers in Orlando will ask for a Quality of Earnings report, which is a third-party audit verifying your income and expenses. It’s a powerful credibility tool that shows you have nothing to hide.
Working with a local Orlando CPA who has experience in business sales can help ensure your records are up to par. And if you're unsure where to start, Brea Reger can connect you with trusted professionals.
What About Loans and Liabilities?
Buyers will also want to know about any outstanding debts, lines of credit, equipment leases, or pending litigation. Don’t wait for due diligence—have this information ready from the start so you can control the narrative and avoid surprises.
Start Now — Even If You're Not Ready to Sell Yet
Even if you're 6–12 months away from listing your Orlando business, it pays to start cleaning up your books today. That way, when you’re ready to sell, you’re positioned for a smooth process and a premium valuation.
📍 Located in Orlando? Want to know what your business is worth?
Schedule a free consultation with Brea Reger to review your financials and plan your ideal exit strategy.
#OrlandoBusinessSale #CleanFinancials #BreaReger #BusinessExitPlan #FloridaBusinessBroker #SellMyBusinessOrlando #ExitStrategyFlorida
Thinking About Selling Your Business in Orlando? Here's Where to Start…
By Brea Reger, Senior Business Broker
If you're a business owner in Orlando considering your exit strategy, now might be the perfect time to act. Central Florida’s economy continues to boom, and with more entrepreneurs and investors looking to buy established businesses, selling your business for top dollar is entirely possible—if you plan ahead.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the first and most important step in the process: knowing what your business is worth.
Why Valuation Matters in a Hot Market Like Orlando
Orlando is one of Florida’s fastest-growing metro areas, drawing in tourism, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare investment. With all this activity, buyers are actively searching for thriving businesses—but they’re also savvy.
If you don’t know your numbers or how your business compares to others in your industry, you risk underselling or being passed over altogether.
A proper valuation isn’t just a number—it’s a tool. It helps:
Set a realistic asking price
Identify value gaps you can improve before going to market
Build confidence with prospective buyers
What Goes Into a Business Valuation?
Valuation experts look at several key factors, including:
Annual revenue and profit
Market trends and industry stability
Customer base and contracts
Intellectual property, brand reputation, and online presence
Your business’s level of owner dependence
In Orlando’s competitive landscape, businesses that operate independently of the owner and have recurring revenue models (like managed services, digital marketing, or cleaning companies) often sell at a premium.
Local Support for Orlando Business Owners
Working with a local business broker like Brea Reger can make a huge difference. Brea understands the unique dynamics of Central Florida’s market and can connect you with qualified buyers, industry-specific valuation specialists, and strategic advisors who will guide you every step of the way.
If you're not ready to sell just yet, she can help you prepare—often increasing your exit value significantly by timing the sale right and improving operations ahead of time.
What You Can Do Today
Here’s how to get started:
Gather Your Financials: Have at least three years of P&Ls and tax returns ready.
Assess Your Exit Timeline: When would you ideally like to exit—6 months, 1 year, 3 years?
Schedule a Valuation Consultation: Reach out to a business broker or valuation expert for a no-obligation review.
Selling your business is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t leave money on the table. With the right knowledge, guidance, and timing, you can sell your Orlando-based business for top dollar—and start your next chapter with confidence.
Need help navigating your business sale?
📞 Contact Brea Reger today for a free consultation.
#OrlandoBusinessBroker #SellYourBusiness #OrlandoFlorida #BusinessValuation #ExitStrategy #BreaReger