Improvements can often increase buyer interest and value. Buyers will not tolerate businesses with problems to be solved, they will simply move on to the next opportunity.
Small things like organizing financial records, documenting processes, and formalizing contracts are critical to meeting due diligence expectations during the sale. However, it’s the larger issues of improving profitability, resolving operational gaps, delegating some of your duties, and removing problem employees that make your business truly more valuable. All of these are things you should evaluate before listing your business.
Your broker can help you determine what should be done to prepare your business for sale. The good news is, some of the improvements may pay off while you still own the business in addition to paying off when you sell your business for more.