You can’t control the economy, but you can choose the best moment to sell. Here’s how to spot the right window for maximum valuation.

The “right” time to sell is rarely about a single factor — it’s the intersection of business performance, industry trends, and personal readiness. Even the best business can struggle to find top-dollar offers if industry multiples are down or credit markets are tight.

From a valuation perspective, sell when your financial performance is strong and trending upward — ideally showing year-over-year growth for at least the past two years. Buyers pay for momentum. If profits are declining, expect tougher negotiations and more conditional offers.

Industry conditions matter too. Watch EBITDA multiples in your sector — if they’re trending up, it may be a good time to market your business. Broader economic factors like interest rates also influence buyer appetite; lower rates often mean buyers can afford higher purchase prices.

Finally, consider your personal timeline. Selling takes 6–12 months on average, sometimes longer. If you want to retire in two years, start preparing now so you’re ready to act when market conditions align.

Maximizing your sale price means selling when your business is performing well, industry multiples are favorable, and you’re personally ready to commit to the process.