Sellers should aim to finalize key customer contracts and employee retention agreements 3 to 6 months before listing. This provides stability, demonstrates predictable revenue, and reassures buyers, helping to maximize value and streamline the sale process.

Ideally, a seller should finalize key customer contracts and employee retention agreements 9–12 months before listing, because buyers crave stability and hate surprises. Locking these in early creates a sense of calm and confidence during due diligence, boosts perceived value, and prevents last-minute scrambling that can derail trust or delay the deal. It’s one of those quiet moves that makes the sale feel smoother and far less stressful for everyone involved.

Ideally, a seller should finalize key customer contracts and employee retention agreements 6 to 12 months before listing the business. This timing reassures buyers about revenue stability and team continuity, which builds confidence. It also reduces due diligence friction, helping the sale move faster and at a stronger valuation.