# What is owner dependence, and why does it lower value? · Horizon Answers

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# What is owner dependence, and why does it lower value?

Short answer

Owner dependence is how much the business relies on you for sales, relationships, decisions or know-how. Buyers see it as risk, and risk lowers the price.

## What to know

-   If key clients only call you, revenue may leave when you do.
-   If decisions wait for you, the business cannot grow past your time.
-   Buyers may lower the price or ask you to stay for years.

## What to do next

1.  1Track a week of your time.
2.  2List the jobs only you can do today.
3.  3Pick one to hand off this quarter.

Last reviewed September 2026 by the Horizon team. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.

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