How to Sell and What to Expect

Yacht brokers can make a sale go more smoothly right from the very beginning of the process. Here are some of the ways a broker will help you sell your boat:

• Determine a fair asking price – To ensure a timely sale, it is essential to ask a fair price. A broker can help establish fair-market value for the boat through access to actual sold boat data in www.soldboats.com, as reported by YachtWorld brokerage firms. Soldboats.com is not available to the public.

• Prepare an advertising strategy – The broker will outline a plan of how a boat is to be advertised in the most appropriate media. For example, the best means to promote a 27′ Catalina is vastly different than the strategy for a 63′ Sunseeker. The broker’s objective is to devise a strategy that has the best chance of reaching the most interested and qualified audience for your boat.

• Prepare the listing for the public – The broker will prepare the listing for distribution in various electronic and print media, for print and email distribution to clients and other brokers, and for distribution to prospects at boat shows, open houses, and walk-in inquiries. Sellers who have listed their boat for sale with a YachtWorld broker will see their listing advertised on YachtWorld, on the website of the YachtWorld broker, and in other partner sites selected by the broker.

• Prepare the listing for the broker-to-broker Multiple Listing Service – When you list your boat with a YachtWorld broker, your broker may also prepare the listing for co-brokerage using the private BoatWizard MLS. YachtWorld has over 2,000- member brokerage firms, with 3,000 offices and 5,000 individual yacht brokers and salespeople, all of whom have password access to this MLS system.

• E-broker – YachtWorld members have multiple tools and services to help them promote your boat listing to buyers and other brokers.

• Follow YachtWorld Member Policies – YachtWorld member brokers are bound by our member policies. For example, members agree to only advertise boats for which they have a current signed listing agreement from the owner of the boat. While listing agreements vary, they should contain the same elements you would expect to find in any legal agreement. Our members agree not to accept an advertising fee to promote their listings on YachtWorld. Members agree to only identify a boat as a “Central or Exclusive Listing” if it complies with the YachtWorld definition of a central or exclusive listing. All advertised boats must be accurately represented and identified.

• Prepare the boat – The broker will advise you of any improvements that should be made to make your boat competitive in today’s market, identify possible problems and solutions, and help organize upgrades and repairs. The broker may help locate easy-access moorings or storage for the duration of the listing.

• Provide professional know-how – Professional brokers will understand the principles of the brokerage profession- things like certificates of ownership, security agreements, bills of sale, and other documents needed to register and transfer titles to boats. They will understand maritime and admiralty liens for the type of vessels they represent, as well as mortgaging and transferring title to documented vessels. They will understand agency contracts, listing agreements, closing statements, deposit requirements, and escrowed accounts to safeguard funds.

• Assist with the sea trial and survey – The buyer will usually request a sea trial and the services of a marine surveyor. Buyers pay for the surveys and for hauling the boat out of the water for inspection. Your yacht broker will usually attend the sea trial and marine survey and help you determine how any discovered deficiencies should be addressed in the purchase negotiations.

• Employ the art of negotiation – The broker can use his position as a middleman to keep the negotiating between buyer and seller moving toward a successful conclusion.

• Sales Tax – Ask us how we can save you $18,000 in sales tax.

Yacht brokers bring massive value to the sales process, which is why we recommend using one to sell your vessel, we would be honored to be your top choice in yacht brokers. Call us today to get started!