Selling an adult foster care business takes more than finding a buyer. It requires preparation, precision, and a clear understanding of how this industry operates. Unlike many small companies, these care homes involve licensing, hands-on caregiving, and the trust of family members and clients.
Whether you’re planning to retire, move on to something new, or transfer ownership to a relative, you need a strategy that protects your staff, reputation, and investment. These five tips will help you position your foster care business for a smooth transition and a strong sale.
To sell an adult foster care business successfully, start by identifying your likely prospective buyers. These may include family members of caregivers, licensed operators expanding their footprint of adult foster care homes, or first-time investors in the care sector.
Buyers seek consistent revenue, qualified staff, compliance with regulations, and reliable occupancy. Highlight what makes your operation stand out. That may include long-tenured employees, private-pay income, or strong referral sources in your community.
In Michigan and most other states, licenses for adult foster care are not transferable. A new operator must apply for their own license. If you are located in Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) outlines the whole licensing process, including documentation, safety checks, and background screenings.
To make this process easier, keep your records organized and follow the application guidelines. If your care home operates in another state, confirm procedures with your local licensing agency.
Before listing your operation, ensure that your financials are current and easy to follow. Serious buyers will expect clean reports that show revenue, payroll, expenses, and client volumes. If your foster care business includes real estate, be prepared to provide a recent valuation.
Accurate documentation helps support your asking price and builds trust during buyer due diligence. It also signals that the organization is stable and well-managed.
While numbers matter, the right operational assets increase buyer interest. List features such as ADA-compliant facilities, transportation options, safety enhancements, and experienced caregivers. If your services include personal care, companionship services, or other specialized programs, be sure to include them in your pitch.
A well-run environment demonstrates to prospective owners that your home offers quality care and has long-term potential.
An organized handoff can preserve relationships with clients and family members. Many sellers remain involved for a short period to train staff and introduce the new owner to residents and referral partners. This helps stabilize the operation after the sale.
If you want insight into what buyers expect during this process, this guide on purchasing an AFC business outlines the common transition steps and why early planning is crucial.
Selling an adult foster care home is a significant decision. You need a broker who understands licensing, compliance, operations, and the care model itself. At Advanced Business Brokers, we help Michigan-based owners navigate each step with confidence.
We know the market. We know what buyers want. And we know how to position your organization for maximum value. If you’re ready to start the conversation, we’re prepared to help.
If you’re thinking about selling your business and don’t know where to start, consider speaking with our team here at Advanced Business Brokers. We specialize in brokering and advising exit plan strategies for various sizes/sectors of businesses.
A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dr. Mark Hagar brings decades of hands-on experience in small business ownership, acquisitions, and turnarounds to his role as a business broker. Over his distinguished career, he has acquired and operated more than 20 companies and engineered over 50 successful turnarounds, giving him a uniquely practical understanding of what makes businesses succeed, and sell. His portfolio spans manufacturing, distribution, and service firms in industries including printing, education, military contracting, aerospace, and orthopedics. This diverse background enables him to identify value, anticipate buyer needs, and structure complex deals with confidence and precision.
Mark holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Cranfield University’s School of Management in Bedford, England—one of Europe’s leading business schools. His research on small business resilience and operational excellence has been recognized by the Small Business Institute (SBI), the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), and the International Council for Small Business (ICSB).
In addition to his business career, Dr. Hagar has served as a member of faculty at several institutions of higher education, including Holy Cross College (Notre Dame), Trine University, and the University of Saint Francis. He also hosted Your Business Matters, a small business–focused radio show and podcast for more than a decade and is the author of Small Fortunes – the Acquisition Entrepreneur’s Guide to Buying a Profitable Small Business.
A passionate advocate for entrepreneurs, Mark previously chaired the Indiana Leadership Council for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), representing small business owners before state and federal legislators. He currently serves as President of the Allen County, Indiana Economic Development
Commission.
As a broker, Mark specializes in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution firms, with particular expertise in special situations, distressed assets, and complex transitions where experience, creativity and discretion are central to success.