How do I find a funeral home for sale?

Funeral homes seldom sit on open listings for long, and many change hands without ever being advertised. Owners worry about upsetting families and staff, so they prefer quiet conversations. That means searching takes patience and more than one channel. Keep the approach calm and respectful.

Where homes do come up

Start with business-for-sale sites and brokers who regularly handle funeral homes. Ask them to keep your criteria on file. Suppliers of caskets, vehicles and equipment visit many homes and may know when an owner is thinking about retiring. Industry associations and lawyers who act for funeral homes can also hear of a succession plan early.

Approaching a family-owned home

If you write to an owner directly, keep it short, private and respectful. Say who you are, why you want to carry on a home like theirs, and that you will keep the conversation confidential. Do not visit during a service or speak with staff about a possible sale. Let the owner choose when and how to reply.

What to have ready before the first call

• A short summary of your background and any experience in funeral service.
• Proof that your financing is in place or likely, such as a lender’s letter.
• Your questions about licensing, which your lawyer can help you answer.
• A signed non-disclosure agreement you are willing to offer.

Reading what you find

Each home has its own licensing and ownership requirements, so read the funeral home guide for your province, listed under related reading. Then work through what to check before buying once you have a real candidate.