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.

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