11/23/2025
Florida Business Owners: Just Because a Realtor Can Sell Your Business… Doesn’t Mean They Should.
In Florida, realtors are licensed to list and sell businesses.
But this week was a perfect sneak peek into why that can be absolutely catastrophic for an unsuspecting seller — or buyer.
Here’s what happened ⬇️
A business was listed on the MLS.
From the very limited financials provided, it looked strong.
“3X multiple”
“Owner relocating”
“Great opportunity”
Sounds good, right?
First red flag: the listing agent asked us to prepare their NDA.
Odd, but fine.
Then the financials started coming in… slowly… and only for 2024.
(Still nothing for 2025.)
And guess what?
📉 The real multiple wasn’t 3X — it was TWELVE.
Yes, 12x earnings.
And yes, the realtor had no idea what that meant or why we were alarmed.
And that’s the point.
Selling a business is NOT the same as selling real estate.
❌ Can the average realtor properly value a business?
❌ Do they know how to analyze financial statements?
❌ Do they understand cash flow, addbacks, EBITDA, or multiples?
❌ Have they ever sold a business before?
❌ Do they know the right questions buyers should be asking?
A business is numbers, not wishful thinking.
We’ve seen too many deals fall apart — or worse, businesses collapse — simply because critical questions were never asked.
Florida has a massive number of retiring owners right now, and many businesses will change hands over the next few years. If you’re one of them, please don’t gamble with one of your largest assets.
🔥 At Sobi, we have a full division devoted exclusively to business brokerage.
Our agents are trained, experienced, and backed by our legal team — who reviews contracts, financials, and guides you through due diligence from start to finish.
If you’re thinking of selling, planning matters.
Don’t leave it to chance.
Don’t leave it to someone who only sells homes.
📞 Reach out. Let’s prepare you the right way before you ever go to market.
www.sobirealestate.com
www.sobilaw.com
954-380-8778