| > | | | | 6. Has long-term, established connections with boaters. |
| When you’re interested in listing your boat for | | | | Boaters like personal relationships. They like buying |
| sale, selecting the right boat broker is the key to having | | | | boats from people they know, trust, and respect. The |
| an easy and effortless transaction. To help you find | | | | more boaters your broker knows, the larger your pool |
| the boat broker who is right for you, follow these ten | | | | of potential buyers. The best brokers have a lifetime |
| tips. Any broker can take your listing and advertise | | | | of industry contacts, locally, regionally, nationally and |
| your boat in the trade magazines. But the best brokers | | | | internationally. Look for a broker who has established |
| have an undeniable passion for boats and boating. | | | | contacts in the boating industry. These contacts may |
| Make sure any boat broker you’re considering | | | | come from a wide range of places: teaching classes, |
| meets all ten of these criteria and you’re bound | | | | owning and operating a sailing school, being active in |
| to have a quick and easy sale: | | | | boating-related charitable activities, crewing for racing |
| 1. Is affiliated with an established brokerage firm. | | | | teams, being active in Olympic-related boating events, |
| Reputation is key in this industry, where fly-by-night | | | | etc. |
| brokerage firms are a dime a dozen. Make sure the | | | | 7. Has hands-on boating experience. A broker who |
| broker you select is affiliated with a reputable, | | | | has spent time aboard sailboats and yachts can more |
| long-standing firm, with a history of at least 20 years in | | | | easily point out to potential buyers how the benefits of |
| the business. Bigger is definitely better — the | | | | your boat match their desires. They can also give you |
| more boats a firm has listed, the more potential | | | | quick and easy pointers for minor fix-ups on |
| customers will be looking at your boat. Make sure the | | | | your boat that will create enormous additional value for |
| firm is licensed and insured. Ask to see their | | | | a buyer. |
| certificates before you sign on the bottom line. | | | | 8. Has a history of going above and beyond. |
| 2. Offers free appraisals of boats. Nothing is harder for | | | | Being a good broker takes more than sharp sales |
| a broker than trying to sell an overpriced boat. On the | | | | skills. Good brokers have a history of going that extra |
| other hand, nothing is more frustrating for a seller than | | | | mile for their customers. But don’t just take a |
| feeling like you’re not getting the best value for | | | | broker’s word for their commitment to you. |
| your boat. The best boat brokers are experienced | | | | Select a broker who has gone above and |
| enough to provide an honest evaluation of your | | | | beyond in their personal life and you’re |
| boat’s condition. This allows them to quickly | | | | guaranteed to find a broker who will do the same for |
| establish a fair-market value for the boat, from their | | | | you. |
| own experience and current market trends, so you | | | | 9. Is driven to succeed and to support the success of |
| receive top dollar and a quicker sale. | | | | others. A competitive edge is important in a boat |
| 3. Is a savvy negotiator. Experienced boat brokers | | | | broker. It’s equally important that your broker |
| know what the market will stand. They know what the | | | | has a desire to create a win-win situation so both the |
| typical margin is for offers and counteroffers. They | | | | seller and the buyer come away from the transaction |
| can steer you away from frustrating interactions with | | | | feeling valued and satisfied. Look for evidence that |
| buyers and sellers before they happen and they can | | | | your boat broker is both competitive and a team |
| keep small obstacles from becoming deal-breakers. | | | | player, such as taking part in racing events, as both |
| 4. Uses a Central Listing Agreement. To maximize | | | | crew and support personnel. |
| your exposure, you want a broker who has an | | | | 10. Is willing to point out the strengths of your boat and |
| incentive to sell your boat. A Central Listing Agreement | | | | offers possible solutions to any problem areas. The |
| establishes a one-on-one relationship with your broker, | | | | best brokers won’t sugar coat the condition of |
| and outline’s the broker’s commitment to | | | | your boat, just to get your listing. They’ll be the |
| advertising, promoting, and co-brokering the sale of | | | | first to point out areas that might be stoppers |
| your boat. | | | | for a potential buyer. They will also work with you to |
| 5. Has a solid network of brokerage contacts. Good | | | | design a strategy that includes possible solutions |
| brokers establish and maintain positive working | | | | you’re comfortable with so these |
| relationships with other reputable brokers to give you | | | | stoppers don’t become deal breakers. |
| the maximum exposure to potential buyers. They enlist | | | | This way, your broker can help you sell your boat |
| other brokers to show your boat, no matter where | | | | more quickly, in a manner that makes financial sense |
| it’s located, to facilitate a quick sale. | | | | to you. |