You’ve helped families through life’s biggest transitions. Now it’s your turn.

The Succession & Sales Information Hub

You’ve spent years building a business that serves families when they need it most. But now it’s your turn to plan ahead. Whether you’re thinking about selling, handing things off to the next generation, or just trying to understand your options, this page is here to make the process easier.

Too many business owners wait until the last minute or have no clear plan. You don’t want that. This is about preserving your legacy, protecting your value, and giving yourself a well-earned next chapter.

Sucession Sales Support Information Hub

Table of Contents

Key Things To Know

At Buried in Work, we're champions of the funeral and end-of-life professions. If you're starting to think about selling your funeral home, crematory, or end-of-life services business, we want to make sure you have the support you deserve.

Here’s what’s worth keeping in mind early on:

  • Selling takes time: From prep to paperwork, most sales take 6 to 18 months. You don’t want to rush something this important.

  • Your valuation depends on more than revenue: Buyers look at staff, reputation, real estate, systems, and future earnings. It’s not just about how much you made last year.

  • Clean records matter: The better your financials, the smoother the process. Messy books can kill a deal or drive down your price.

  • You don’t have to sell to a chain: Private buyers, family transitions, employee buyouts, and community-based partners are all real options.

  • It’s okay to not know where to start: Most sellers have never done this before. That’s why this hub exists.

  • You don’t have to go it alone: A good broker or advisor can help you get organized, find buyers, and avoid common mistakes.

  • Legacy is part of the deal: For many sellers, protecting staff, reputation, and community trust is just as important as the sale price.

What We Offer

Selling or stepping back from a legacy business like a funeral home or crematory isn’t just a financial decision. It’s personal, emotional, and filled with unknowns. We’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Clarity Through a Complicated Process

We help you map out each step, avoid common mistakes, and make decisions that align with your goals, values, and timing.

Confidential, Pressure-Free Support

We offer trusted objective guidance and resources that help you explore options, plan a full sale, or hand the reins to someone you know.

Connections That Matter

You’ll have access to professionals who know this space. We introduce the right people at the right time, from valuation experts and brokers to lenders and consultants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selling a funeral home or end-of-life services business isn’t something most people do every day. Here are answers to some of the most common questions owners ask when starting this process.

Before you're burned out. Ideally, 1–3 years before you want to step back. That gives you time to clean up the books, increase your valuation, and position the business for a strong exit.

No. Plenty of private buyers, family members, and smaller firms are looking for well-run businesses. We help you see all your options.

That depends on a lot of factors. We’ll point you toward trusted valuation experts who know this industry inside and out.

Start with a valuation expert or business broker who knows this industry. You might also want to loop in your CPA or attorney early.

Absolutely. Internal sales and family transitions can be great options. Just make sure you handle the paperwork and valuation carefully to avoid future issues.

Waiting too long. A rushed sale can lower your price, scare off good buyers, or cause a bumpy transition for staff and families.

Not always. Some buyers prefer to lease. Others want to own it all. You’ll want to decide what makes sense for your financial goals and retirement plan.

Communication is key. A thoughtful rollout plan, handled with transparency and timing, makes a huge difference. We have tools to help with that.

Sometimes, yes. Many transitions include a consulting period, where the previous owner stays on for a few months to help with handoff and continuity.

No. Requesting access is completely free. We don’t charge to connect you with trusted professionals or provide guidance. If you choose to work with one of our partners, any fees will be discussed directly with them. There’s no cost to explore your options or get started.

How It Works

We know this is a big step. Our process is designed to be simple, confidential, and completely on your terms.

1. Brief Onboarding Call

Once you request access via the form below, we’ll schedule a confidential free meeting to learn more about your goals, timing, and any preferences you have. This helps us tailor our support and make the right connections.

2. Full Access to Resources

After the call, you’ll receive access to our private collection of checklists, templates, planning timelines, and communication tools designed specifically for funeral homes, crematories, and other end-of-life businesses.

3. We Create Your Dossier

Using the information you share, we create a confidential dossier that highlights what makes your business unique. No identifying details are shared without your permission.

4. We Share Your Dossier With Trusted Partners

Your dossier is shared privately and confidentially with a small group of vetted professionals who specialize in funeral homes and end-of-life businesses. These may include brokers, valuation experts, or potential buyers.

5. You Stay in Control

Our partners will reach out directly if there’s a potential fit, but you’re under no obligation to work with anyone. This is your process, and we’re here to support it.

Roadmap to Selling a Funeral Home, Crematory, or End-of-Life Services Business

No business sale is exactly the same, but here are the typical steps most funeral home owners follow when preparing for and completing a sale.

1. Decide to Sell

Key Questions:

  • Are you ready to step away emotionally and financially?
  • Do you have a timeline in mind?
  • Do you have a successor in mind (family, staff, buyer)?

Tasks:

  • Talk with your family and key advisors.
  • Clarify what you want from the sale (price, legacy, timing, involvement after).

2. Get Your Business Ready

Key Questions:

  • Are your financials clean and up-to-date?
  • Do you have documented procedures?

Tasks:

  • Clean up your books (3–5 years of financials, ideally CPA-reviewed).
  • Gather key documents (leases, licenses, contracts, pre-need records).
  • Resolve any legal or regulatory issues.
  • Conduct a facility and equipment review.

3. Valuation

Key Questions:

  • What is your business actually worth?
  • What multiple of EBITDA or revenue is typical for your market?

Tasks:

  • Hire a business valuation expert or broker with experience in funeral home sales.
  • Understand how real estate will be handled. For example, will it be sold with the business or leased?

4. Assemble Your Team

Typical Team:

  • Business broker or M&A advisor
  • Attorney (preferably one with industry experience)
  • CPA or financial advisor
  • Appraiser (if real estate is involved)

5. Find a Buyer

Options:

  • Competitor or regional roll-up
  • National chain
  • Private equity
  • Employees
  • Family members

Tasks:

  • Create a confidential information memorandum (CIM).
  • Quietly market the business.
  • Vet prospective buyers (experience, financing, values).

6. Due Diligence

Key Questions:

  • Can you provide the data they need quickly?
  • Are there any deal-breakers lurking?

Tasks:

  • Provide financials, contracts, customer data (de-identified), staffing plans.
  • Allow site visits and interviews (often after an LOI).
  • Respond to buyer questions promptly and honestly.

7. Negotiate & Finalize the Deal

Tasks:

  • Review the Letter of Intent (LOI).
  • Negotiate purchase price, terms (cash vs. seller financing), and non-competes.
  • Finalize purchase agreement, transition plan, and closing documents.

8. Closing

Tasks:

  • Transfer licenses, contracts, pre-need accounts (with regulator approval if needed).
  • Notify staff and vendors (timing is key).
  • Handle final tax and legal filings.
  • Distribute sale proceeds and pay off any obligations.

9. Transition Period

Tasks:

  • Help train or onboard the new owner.
  • Provide continuity for families and staff.
  • Exit gradually or stay on as a consultant, depending on the deal.

10. What Comes Next

For You:

  • Retirement, reinvention, or a new venture?
  • Estate and tax planning for the proceeds.
  • Emotional transition out of a deeply personal business.

Featured Brokers & Valuation Partners

Finding the right buyer is one thing. Finding the right guide to help you through the process is just as important.

We’ve curated a confidential list of trusted professionals and firms who specialize in helping funeral homes, crematories, and end-of-life service businesses navigate valuation, succession, and sale.

These aren’t generic business brokers. They're vetted and experienced individuals and companies that understand the emotional weight, family dynamics, and regulatory complexity that come with transitioning a legacy business like yours.

What You'll Get Access To

  • Brokers who specialize in this field
    These are people who’ve worked with funeral homes, crematories, and end-of-life businesses, not someone who just sold a pizza shop last week.

  • Business valuation professionals
    Get a clear, accurate sense of what your business is worth today and what steps can help improve that number over time.

  • Options for different paths
    Whether you’re selling to a family member, an outside buyer, or exploring an employee buyout, we can connect you with partners who’ve been down that road.

  • Resources to guide your next steps
    From checklists and communication templates to planning timelines and real-life case studies, we offer tools to help you stay organized and informed.

  • Trusted. Vetted. Respectful.
    We only include professionals we’d send our own family to. No pressure. No cold calls. Just honest support when you're ready.

Why We Keep This List Private

Because your decision to explore a sale should stay in your hands, and your inbox. We keep this directory confidential to protect your privacy, and to ensure these professionals are connecting with people who are genuinely ready to take the next step.

Request Access To Our Trusted Broker Network

Thinking about succession doesn’t mean you’re ready to walk away tomorrow. Whether you’re gathering info or already exploring buyers, we’re here to make the process easier. Fill out the quick form below and we’ll send you access to our private directory of trusted brokers, valuation experts, and transition partners... plus a few extra tools to help you plan the next chapter.

Your information stays private and nothing is shared without your consent. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just real help, when you’re ready.

Select all that apply.
Select all that apply.
Useful for matching with region-specific professionals.

Information Hub Feedback & Suggestions

Do you have a question, suggestion, or idea on how to improve this Information Hub? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.