TO BROKER OR NOT TO BROKER

 When one is either buying or selling a boat, there are two ways to go. You can utilize a Professional Yacht Broker or you can go it alone. In this article submitted for Boatcan by Boat Broker, Gerard Harren of  Bridgeview Yachts Sales, explores the use of a broker and the reason for doing so.

SELLERS: There are 2 fundamentals in selling a yacht: establishing a fair and reasonable market value and then marketing the vessel for maximum exposure to potential buyers. Brokers research the recent months of listings and sales to arrive at a fair and reasonable market price range. The basic value for comparable boats along with the condition, maintenance, replacements, refits and upgrades are all considered. This information is shared with the client to get to an agreed Asking Price.

On the marketing side, many Brokers use Boatcan with great success to get national exposure, as you can see on their boat lists at www.boatcan.com. The Broker will also advertise in other forms of media as necessary to get the maximum exposure for the boats. The broker must be readily accessible by phone, fax, E-mail and cell phone. A complete listing with all the equipment, technical data and pictures for full exposure on the website and other advertisers is then created. Many areas have the advantage of both the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Those who make the decision to sell in early spring should take the advantage of a survey while the vessel is out of the water. This keeps sales from being unduly delayed because conditions placed in the offer by the purchaser. Remember most sales are conditional to a survey and if you have this in place, you save time & maybe the costs involved, but most of all, you expedite the sale of your yacht.

BUYERS: Buyers know that to find the "right yacht", (length, lay-out, extras & price) is not always an easy undertaking. Locating and selecting the right pre-owned yacht is often a confusing and laborious task of evaluation, trade-offs and compromises found in each yacht.

Unless you have in-depth industry knowledge and time, it is wise to select a professional yacht broker who has the experience, the resources and the technological knowledge to guide you through the selection and buying process. It costs you, the buyer, nothing since fees to the brokers are paid by the seller. However, once your broker helps you narrow down the field, you can then focus on those vessels most likely to meet your needs. Brokers charge for their service. Therefore selling through a broker can be more expensive at times than selling on your own. Remember that the professional broker offers a complete range of services and help...

1. They research the market
2. They market the vessel
3. They qualify the buyer
4. They show the vessel and know when to stand back and watch
5. They negotiate the offer to purchase and the accepted or counter offer
6. They hold the deposits with the offer and can assist in financing arrangements
7. They arrange the survey (if necessary) by a reputable marine surveyor
8.  Upon acceptance, they arrange for a sea trial (if required) and the delivery of the boat by land or by sea

Buying or selling a boat totally on your own is not for everyone. A qualified Professional Yacht Broker can be just what you need if you are Buying or Selling and want to avoid the hassle and frustration of going it alone. Check  Boatcan's complete list of BROKER/DEALERS.

Remember... when on the waterways BE A RESPONSIBLE BOATER.

THINK ABOUT THIS... Without a BOAT, 75% of the Earth’s Surface is Wasted!!!!

Authors Gerard Harren, Bridgeview Yacht Sales  

             Dave McPhail, Boatcan