By: Tom West BBP Co-Founder

In preparing for a talk in Florida next month, I found a very interesting statistic. I have kept some data from my days at United Business Investments (UBI). As a few of you know, UBI was the first business brokerage firm to have some 50 company-owned offices in eight states. I had someone who kept pretty accurate statistics of the offices' performance: number of listings, number of deals, sales, etc.

One of the more interesting statistics was the actual selling price versus the seller's asking price. In 1978, it was 84 percent. In other words, the seller received, on average, 84 percent of his asking price. Keep in mind that in most cases, unless we would be completely insulted, we took the listing at the price the seller wanted. We might have haggled a bit, but if we liked the business and thought it was saleable, the asking price was a non-issue. We were more concerned with the terms that the seller was willing to accept, since owner financing was it. No SBA, etc. And our listing period ranged from 90 to 120 days.

Brokerage Firm: Troop Business Services
California Region: Ventura County
Contact: 805-551-5121  

Q: Briefly describe your background (length as broker, career prior, how you got into this field).

A: I have been a broker in California since 2004, entering the field initially for personal investment purposes. In addition to residential, commercial and business brokerage, I own an energy conservation company back east. We install energy efficiency equipment in residential commercial facilities and evaluate builder compliance with energy efficiency standards under the EnergyStar Program.

Q: Do you have particular business types you specialize in, or a region?

A: I focus my real estate and business sales activities in Ventura County. I am also involved in residential development projects in Colorado.

As the economy starts to pick back up, CABB would like to remind you all of the fantastic membership benefits that we have to offer.

• Forms so great that other states want to use them as a model
• A member listserv connecting you with more than 285 brokers throughout the state of California
• Free legal services
• Access to a health care specialist for your medical, dental, vision, life and healthcare reform needs
• Local chapters to facilitate relationships for increased co-brokering opportunities
• LinkedIn community to share ideas and stay connected statewide
• Annual Productivity Conference with remarkable networking opportunities and education

Don't miss out on a minute of these membership benefits, renew today!

Want to renew your membership online? To renew online, please go to www.cabb.org and click on "Pay my CABB Dues."

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