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Decipher Your Value
Know what your business is worth — before you need to
Fair Valuations. Real Numbers. Zero Pressure.
L.A. Based
(775) 373-5214

Business Valuation
Understand how business value is calculated, what affects it, and why it matters.


How to Evaluate a Business Sale Offer (Before You Say Yes or No)
You’ve built your business—now an offer is on the table. But is it actually a good deal? Learn how to look past the "big number" to evaluate the structure, tax impact, and true market value of any offer before you step into due diligence.

Peter Lopez
4 days ago


How Do I Value a Business to Buy Out My Partner Fairly?
Buying out a partner is a massive life event. Learn how to use SDE and market multiples to find a fair price that respects your "sweat equity" and the market reality—without the $10k certified valuation fee.

Peter Lopez
May 19


The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Business in 2026: Interest Rates, Market Timing, and Your Bottom Line
Thinking of selling your business in 2026? Discover how rising interest rates and changing market conditions can impact your business sale—and get practical tips to help you make the most of your exit. The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Business.

Peter Lopez
May 13
![[HERO] Small Business Exit Planning: A Practical Roadmap to Selling on Your Terms](https://cdn.marblism.com/0H7wEf-4xo9.webp)
![[HERO] Small Business Exit Planning: A Practical Roadmap to Selling on Your Terms](https://cdn.marblism.com/0H7wEf-4xo9.webp)
Small Business Exit Planning: A Practical Roadmap to Selling on Your Terms
Most business owners don’t have an exit strategy until they’re already burnt out. Don’t wait until you’re "done" to start planning. Discover how Julian and Elena navigated the transition from operator to seller, and how to build a business that is actually sellable.

Peter Lopez
May 7


What is the best way to value a small business for sale?
Don't fall for the "Magic Number Trap." Whether you're in HVAC or tech, discover the most accurate ways to value your business for sale and why revenue isn't the whole story.

Peter Lopez
May 6


How to Value a Small Business (Without Hiring a Broker)
Stop guessing what your company is worth. From SDE multiples to EBITDA, this guide breaks down how to value a small business using real-world data, helping you move from a "magic number" to total negotiation clarity.

Peter Lopez
May 4


What Is My Business Worth? A Small Business Owner's Guide
Curious about your business's real-world value? From SDE to owner dependency, learn the five key factors that determine what a buyer will actually pay for your company.

Peter Lopez
May 3


Los Angeles Business Valuation: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Navigating a business valuation in the competitive Los Angeles market doesn't have to be complicated. From understanding SDE to local multipliers, here’s what every LA small business owner needs to know to get the right price.

Peter Lopez
May 2


Small Business Valuation vs Business Appraisal: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Confused about the difference between a business valuation and a business appraisal? One mistake could cost you hundreds of thousands. Here's exactly which one you need and when.

Peter Lopez
Apr 28


The "Dirty" P&L: Why Your Accountant Might Actually Be Killing Your Sale Price
Think your accountant is a hero for keeping your tax bill low? Think again. While tax minimization is great for yearly cash flow, it can be a total value-killer when it’s time to sell. A "Dirty" P&L filled with personal expenses and aggressive deductions can scare off buyers and slash your business valuation by tens of thousands. Learn why your books need to be "clean" before you hit the market to get the price you actually deserve.

Peter Lopez
Apr 27


M&A Monday: Average EBITDA Multiples for 10 Key Industries in 2026
Learn the actual 2025-2026 EBITDA multiples for small businesses. Find out how to de-risk your operations and close the "Public Gap" for a life-changing exit.

Peter Lopez
Apr 6


Surviving the Scrutiny: Your Ultimate Guide to Business Sale Preparation in California
Preparing for a business sale in California? Due diligence is intense, but proper documentation can turn scrutiny into an advantage. Get a practical checklist for financial, legal, operational, and HR records—plus tips for keeping digital assets, customer info, and compliance in order for business sale preparation in California.

Peter Lopez
Nov 24, 2025


Financial Friday: Cash Flow vs. Profit: What Really Matters in Valuations
California business owners often confuse cash flow and profit when prepping for a sale. Discover why cash flow drives valuations, how profit supports long-term value, and practical tips to track both. Get clear, jargon-free advice with examples tailored for business sale preparation in California.

Peter Lopez
Nov 24, 2025


M&A Monday: How to Find the Right Broker (And Spot Warning Signs)
Choosing the right broker for business sale preparation in California can make or break your deal. Learn key qualifications, warning signs, and tips to spot a partner who’ll protect your interests—and your bottom line.

Peter Lopez
Nov 17, 2025


Wisdom Wednesday: Personal Brand Power | How Owners Influence Business Value in California
For California small business owners, preparing for a sale means more than reviewing financials—it’s about your reputation. At Decipher Your Value, we’ve seen a strong personal brand add real dollars to a company’s price. Buyers measure your influence, industry relationships, and community trust. Your leadership and network can increase value—if you show it’s built into your team and not just tied to you.

Peter Lopez
Nov 13, 2025


Understanding Business Valuation Services for Growth
Understanding Business Valuation Services for Growth | Decipher Your Value

Peter Lopez
Nov 10, 2025


M&A Monday: Legal Pitfalls to Avoid Before Listing Your Business for Sale
When it comes to business sale preparation California, most owners focus on financials, operations, and market positioning. But legal issues can derail even the most promising deals faster than you can say "due diligence." At Decipher Your Value, we've seen countless transactions stumble over preventable legal pitfalls that sellers didn't know existed.
The reality is that buyers are more sophisticated than ever, and their legal teams are trained to spot red flags.

Peter Lopez
Nov 10, 2025


Financial Friday: Understanding Your EBITDA: Shortcut to a Better Valuation for California Business Sale Preparation
Financial Friday: Understanding Your EBITDA: Shortcut to a Better Valuation for California Business Sale Preparation| Decipher Your Value

Peter Lopez
Nov 7, 2025


Wisdom Wednesday: Building Buyer Trust: Why Transparency Wins Deals in California Business Sales
When it comes to business sale preparation in California, most owners focus on polishing their financials and tidying up operations. But there’s one crucial element that separates successful sales from deals that fall apart at the last minute: transparency. At Decipher Your Value, we've seen hundreds of business transactions over the years, and the pattern is clear—owners who embrace transparency from day one consistently achieve better outcomes than those who try to hide the

Peter Lopez
Nov 5, 2025


M&A Monday: How to Kickstart Business Sale Prep: Your First Five Steps
Thinking about selling your business? Whether you’re planning to exit in six months or five years, business sale preparation in California requires careful planning and strategic thinking. At Decipher Your Value, we've seen hundreds of business owners navigate this process, and those who start early always come out ahead.

Peter Lopez
Nov 4, 2025
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