If you’re thinking about selling your preschool, you’re likely wondering:
“Do I really need a broker, or can I just do this myself?”

It’s a fair question—and one that could make or break your outcome. Selling a school isn’t like selling a house. It’s not just about listing a building or naming a price. It’s a complex business exit that involves valuation, legal structure, buyer financing, emotional negotiation, and timing.

Here’s what you need to know before making that call.

The Illusion of DIY Savings

Many preschool owners consider a DIY sale to avoid broker fees. And sure, on the surface, skipping a commission might seem like a smart financial move.

But what you save in fees, you often pay for in:

• A lower sales price (sometimes by six figures)
• Broken confidentiality with staff or families
• Time wasted on unqualified buyers
• Emotional decision-making during negotiations
• Deals that fall apart during due diligence

Owners often come to me after trying to do it alone, saying:
“I didn’t realize how complicated this would be.”

What a Broker Actually Does

A qualified, child care-focused broker does more than list your school. They bring strategy, structure, and emotional neutrality to a high-stakes transition.

Here’s what that really looks like:

Valuation and Pricing

We help you price your school based on real market data and current buyer behavior—not guesswork or emotional attachment.

Confidential Marketing

Your name, address, capacity, and recognizable photos are all removed. We market your school professionally, without revealing who you are until the right time.

Buyer Screening and NDAs

We don’t send your info to just anyone. Interested buyers are vetted and must sign nondisclosure agreements before they see confidential documents.

Deal Structure and Financing Support

We help buyers understand what makes a deal work—and introduce them to lenders who actually fund child care acquisitions. From SBA loans to seller financing, we know how to structure deals that close.

Communication and Emotional Buffer

Selling your business is personal. A broker protects your boundaries, acts as a neutral party, and helps keep the deal moving when things get tense.

Why Not Just Use a Realtor?

It’s not uncommon for preschool owners to ask a residential or commercial real estate agent for help. But selling a school is fundamentally different than selling a building.

Child care centers are:

• Licensed businesses with regulatory oversight
• Heavily reliant on staff, enrollment, and operations
• Valued on earnings and cash flow—not square footage

When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a broker. You’re hiring a current preschool owner who has sold before, understands the licensing landscape, and works through Preschool Exchange, a brokerage that focuses exclusively on early education businesses.

How to Know Which Path Is Right for You

Ask yourself:

• Do I know how to value my preschool accurately?
• Can I market it without revealing my identity?
• Do I have access to qualified buyers and lenders?
• Am I prepared to handle negotiations, inspections, and due diligence?
• Can I emotionally detach during the sale?

If you’re unsure about any of these, it may be time to bring in professional help.

Free Resource: Broker vs. DIY Decision Guide

Before you make a final decision, download the Broker vs. DIY Decision Guide. It’s a one-page tool to help you clarify your goals, assess the risks, and move forward with confidence.

[Download the Guide] https://go.chelseareue.com/BrokerVsDIY 

Final Thought

You’ve spent years building this school. You deserve to walk away with clarity, peace, and the best possible outcome.

Don’t go it alone.
When you’re ready to start the conversation:

✅ Explore more tools in the Resource Library  https://go.chelseareue.com/ResourceLibrary
📞 Book a private strategy call at https://go.chelseareue.com/StrategySession