How do I find an agent to help me sell my business?

You need a business broker, not a real estate agent. Selling a business involves valuing the business based on revenue, profit, assets, and goodwill, which is a completely different process from selling a house. A business broker specializes in buying and selling businesses. They'll help you determine what your business is worth, prepare the financials for buyer review, market the business confidentially, qualify potential buyers, and negotiate the terms of the sale. Most business brokers charge a commission similar to real estate, typically 8 to 12 percent of the sale price, though this varies based on the size and complexity of the deal. If your business includes real estate, like a restaurant that owns its building, you may need both a business broker for the business and a commercial real estate agent for the property. Sometimes one person handles both, but make sure whoever you work with has experience in both areas. To find a business broker, check the International Business Brokers Association directory at ibba.org. You can search by location and specialty. Interview a few before choosing, just like you would with any professional.

You will want to find a business broker licensed to do so. Often you can get a great referral from any commercial broker in your area.

I would look for an agent who sells commercial property.

Ask family, friends and/or business associates who have sold a business in the past. They may know a realtor they had with a positive experience. Google realtors who specialize in selling businesses in your industry or niche. Interview a few potential realtors sto discuss their experience, marketing strategies and fees.

It's always a great idea to check an agent's Google reviews also check their company website and make sure that it is a reputable well-known firm. When you're listing a business or commercial property, It is a great idea to make sure that the company has a website that not only lists residential and land sales, but does list commercial properties as well.