Red flags and what a fair business broker quote includes

Free guide for San Diego. Most providers are honest; this helps you spot the few who are not, and compare quotes fairly.

Red flags

• Large upfront “marketing” fee with no track record
• A valuation far above comparable sales to win the listing
• Listing agreement over 12 months with no exit
• No NDA process for buyers

A fair quote includes

• Success fee percentage and minimum
• Any upfront or marketing fees
• Listing length and cancellation terms
• What the broker delivers (valuation, marketing package, buyer screening)

Check before you hire

• California DRE license lookup (brokers selling businesses usually need a real estate license)

Report scams to the California Attorney General at oag.ca.gov.

Next: questions to ask · local prices · active local firms

Compare every San Diego trade in one place: San Diego price & provider data hub (free, no signup).

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency linked above.