The BAF Difference

There are a number of excellent business brokers, in the Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and D.C. areas. BAF practices a philosophical standard that we believe makes us a step above most – and the fact that our business is primarily derived from referrals from Attorneys, Accountants and past Clients, supports our belief.

Some of the differences between BAF and many other brokerages are summarized, below.

Size: BAF is relatively small, by design. Not only is the number of Brokers/Agents in our office small, but each Broker/Agent attempts to list a modest number of Client Companies, at any one time. Business Brokerage is not like residential real estate: we cannot put a sign on your Company lawn, and list your Company’s address in a multiple listing service, hoping that 500 agents will see the listing and come pounding on the door. To keep your Company information confidential, intense personal care must be taken in identifying and qualifying potential buyers, before detailed information is given out. Each Broker/Agent must then devote a huge amount of his/her own time to each listing; if we are representing too many companies, we are not paying much attention to yours!

Personal Attention: Finding potential buyers is not as simple as putting an ad in the paper, and sitting back. We individually network with attorneys, accountants, bankers, trade groups and other brokers, to uncover every potential purchaser that may be in the marketplace. We frequently work seven (7) days per week, because communications can be that demanding. We simply do not want to miss a respondent to an ad, a question that may spring up, or a meeting among partners who may only be able to meet at night or on the weekends, to take on new opportunities. And our feedback to you is just as diligent.

Cooperating with other Brokers: Unlike residential real estate agents, many business brokers do not share commissions with their competition, or encourage other brokers to work with them on selling their listings. BAF believes this does a disservice to their Clientele. Therefore, we will share information and commissions with any and all responsible business brokers that may have a potential buyer. We demand control of the situation, in an effort to safeguard the confidentiality issue; but we do so in a respectful manner, so as not to offend and put off the cooperating broker. This characteristic of our service costs you nothing additional; however, it has the potential of immensely increasing the publicity to potential buyers.

What you pay BAF: In the range of commission rates, it is our understanding that ours is at the middle to low end of the spectrum. However, unlike some of our competition, our commission rate is only applied to what you receive for the Business, itself. We do not charge any up-front or administration fees, advertising fees or any other expenses, outside of our pre-agreed commission.

Grow by Acquisition

If you are a Business Owner, looking to grow by acquisition, ask us about our Targeted Acquisition Program (TAP). Here, we specifically search out businesses to your specifications for potential purchase, to compliment or add to your current operations, regardless of the location.

Is Now the Time to Sell?

Some Buyers say, "I am doing too well to sell!"

Think about it:  How much will your business be worth, if you sell when it is not doing well...?

The key is to find the balance between maximum value, and your plans for yourself, after the sale.  But, do not make the mistake of waiting too long.  Every business has a "life cycle":  From conception, to growth, to maturation and finally, to decline and possibly death.  Though there are many "ups and downs" along the way, ideally you want to be selling when there is a bit of growth left in the business; otherwise, why would someone want to buy it?

In addition, as this is written, interest rates are still low.  That means that buyers can borrow at good rates, in order to buy your business.  If interest rates go up - as they may, toward the end of 2007 - the cost of borrowing may mean that their willingness to pay top dollar for any business will diminish, which means the price you can command for your Business will drop.

Is it the time to sell?  Only you can answer that question.  We can give you the information that allows you to make a more informed decision, by specifying the potential price, in the current market; but the decision itself is yours, alone.