Are you considering appointing a professional’s services to help you navigate the sale of a used boat or yacht? As a general rule, it is worth having the support and guidance from a professional to handle the sales process, helping to mitigate financial risk and to make certain that the sale goes as smoothly as possible.
A yacht broker, similar to a real estate agent, is someone who works on your behalf during the selling or buying process of a luxury boat, negotiating on your behalf, and ensures the entire transaction is completed. While a yacht broker might be thought of as the "middle man" in the transaction, a good agent will provide an exceptional amount of value throughout the experience.
What Does A Yacht Broker Do for Buyers and Sellers?
A broker will make selling your boat comparatively easy and stress-free for you managing the sale from beginning to end. Here are some of the ways that a broker can add value to the sales process:
In-depth Market Knowledge for Buyers
There are currently about 80,000+ yachts listed for sale in the world. Some of the best deals are often not advertised, but only available through a professional software used to compare and find the history of the real transactions on similar boats. A professional broker knows where to find those “great deals” through a personal network. This will give you as a buyer some perspective of what is out there and what to expect.
If You're The Seller, A Broker Will:
Advertise your boat. Brokers should list your boat on Yachtworld and advertise in other places where appropriate. Find out what their marketing plan is and get it in writing.
Price your boat realistically. Brokers have access to recent sale prices and know a good starting point.
Prescreen responses to advertising.
Show your boat to prospective buyers.
Communicate all offers from potential buyers to you.
Negotiate the selling price.
Draw up sales agreements and accept deposits.
Arrange for sea trials and schedule surveys.
Coordinate closing.
Transfer funds to you.
How Do You Find the Right Yacht Broker?
Choosing the right broker is an important step a boat transaction and can make a sale go more smoothly right from the very beginning of the process. Brokers often specialize in boat types, sizes, and geographic regions, so it’s usually best to choose a broker who already represents boats similar to yours, and who operates his or her business close to where your boat is located.
Here are some ways to help you find the right broker:
Send the broker an email. Do they respond quickly?
Call the brokerage. Is your call answered promptly?
Interview several by phone, email, and in person, ask how long they've been in the marine industry and how many sales they've brokered.
View their listings on BoatTrader or YachtWorld, and ask yourself: Do these listings look like an effective, thoughtfully built tool?
Working with Gulfstream Yacht Sales for Your Next Transaction
An experienced team of licensed brokers will help you find the boat you're looking for. Stop scrolling listings and leave the work to us. Our team will take care of everything you need, from scouring boat listings to inspections and surveys, to taking final delivery of your yacht. What can you expect? Constant contact, transparency, discretion, expert negotiation, attention to detail, and an effortless and worry-free process. Get in touch with us today to begin!
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