Are You Really Ready to Sell Your Practice?
When an owner starts thinking about selling, the first question is usually, “What’s my practice worth?” That’s an important question—but not the first one you should be asking. The real starting point is making sure you are ready: financially, mentally, and strategically.
Here are four key questions every seller should ask before they put their practice on the market—along with the professionals who can help guide those conversations.
1. Am I financially ready?
Selling is more than a number on a purchase agreement.
Have you sat down with your CPA or wealth advisor to map out what the net proceeds look like—after taxes, debt payoff, and transaction costs?
Do you know what you need from this sale to fund retirement, your next chapter, or another venture?
If you’re not quite there, do you have a plan to bridge the gap?
Who to bring in: CPA and financial advisor. They’ll run the real numbers, so you get an idea on what you’ll actually walk away with.
2. What role do I want after the sale?
Not every transition looks the same.
Do you want to stay on for a year or two to help with the handoff—or do you need a clean break?
Are you comfortable working for someone else if the buyer wants you to stay?
Do you understand the difference between a corporate buyer’s expectations versus a private buyer’s flexibility?
Who to bring in: Attorney and broker. They’ll show you what each type of buyer typically requires and what commitments you’d actually be making.
3. Am I mentally ready to let go?
This is often the hardest part.
Your practice has been your identity for years—are you ready to hand over patient relationships, staff decisions, and the legacy you’ve built?
Have you thought about what life after ownership looks like? (It’s an adjustment, no matter how prepared you think you are.)
Have you discussed this with family, partners, or mentors to get perspective?
Who to bring in: Family, trusted mentors, or even a professional coach. The emotional side of selling is just as important as the financial side.
4. Have I aligned my expectations with reality?
Do you know where valuations are in today’s market—and what buyers are actually paying?
Are you prepared for how your practice’s strengths (or gaps) will affect offers?
Do you understand that timing matters as much as numbers?
Who to bring in: Practice Broker / Advisor. They’ll give you a clear read on the market so you’re not setting yourself up for disappointment.
Selling your practice isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a personal one. The owners who take time to ask these questions—and who bring in the right professionals to guide the process—are the ones who move through it with clarity, confidence, and no regrets.
Thank you for your interest in Wicklow!
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